Policy on Resident Training, Working Conditions and Well-being

To ensure high standards and resident well-being, EBVS Colleges must approve training centres based on a framework that treats traditional pathway residency as a period of employment rather than just clinical service. This template outlines the minimal support expected from supervisors, aligning with both the EU Working Time Directorate and EBVS Policies & Procedures.

1. Time Allocation and Study Support
   1. Integrated Study Time: Educational activities, including reading and preparing presentations, are considered work and must be included within expected normal working hours.
   2. Protected Study Time: Supervisors are expected to advocate for standardized protected study time to allow residents to prioritize their exams without clinical burdens.
   3. Rest and Breaks: Residents should have protected time for daily breaks and a minimum of 10 hours of uninterrupted rest between shifts.
   4. Working Hour Limits: Total working time, inclusive of self-study, should not exceed EU standards when averaged over a 4-week period, regardless of the specific country’s national law.
2. Financial Support and Transparency
   1. Market-Rate Compensation: Salaries should be transparent and comparable to regional market rates for veterinarians with similar experience, ensuring that financial status is not a barrier to entering specialization.
   2. Contractual Integrity: Centres must provide legally sound employment contracts that include clarity on tax, pension contributions, and insurance.
   3. Subsidies and Grants: Supervisors and Colleges are encouraged to provide or partner with institutions to offer CPD grants, travel bursaries, and examination fee subsidies.
3. Continuing Education and Clinical Balance
   1. Training vs. Service: Programs should prioritize training over clinical service to the business. Residents must not be expected to undertake clinical or administrative tasks during protected vacation periods or rotations through other disciplines.
   2. Supervisory Training: Supervisors should receive specific training in mentorship and recognizing signs of resident burnout.
   3. Feedback Mechanisms: Residents must have access to independent support mechanisms (such as an ombudsman or residency committee) to provide honest feedback without fear of reprisal.
4. Alignment with National and EBVS Rules
   1. National Labor Laws: While EBVS sets overarching standards, residency extensions for parental leave or illness must be granted in accordance with national and EU regulations.
   2. College Oversight: Individual Colleges are responsible for reviewing evidence of hours worked and the provision of wellbeing resources during the re-accreditation of training centres.