Why do psychologically informed veterinary workplaces matter?

In this episode of the RCVS Podcast, coinciding with Occupational Health Awareness Week, we explore the importance of creating psychologically informed veterinary workplaces. Joined by leading researchers, we discuss what a psychologically informed workplace looks like, why it matters, and how positive workplace cultures can benefit not only veterinary professional wellbeing, but also client relationships and patient care. 

For our main feature, we speak to our 2025 Mind Matters Impact Grant holders, Professor Elinor O’Connor from the University of Manchester and Dr Kevin Teoh from Birkbeck, University of London, about their research into organisational interventions that support wellbeing in veterinary workplaces. They are joined by Professor Jason Spendelow, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Professional Practice at Harper & Keele Veterinary School, who shares his expertise on the role organisations can play in promoting psychological wellbeing and healthy workplace cultures. 

In the second half of the episode, we hear from our 2026 Mind Matters Impact Grant holders, Dr John Tulloch FRCVS and Dr Tamzin Furtado from the University of Liverpool, who discuss their project investigating mental health and trauma support for veterinary professionals following severe occupational injury, and why this area of research is so important for the profession. 

Guests: 

• Professor Elinor O’Connor, Professor of Work Psychology, University of Manchester  

• Dr Kevin Teoh, Reader in Work and Organisational Psychology, Birkbeck University of London  

• Professor Jason Spendelow, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Professional Practice, Harper-Keele Veterinary School  

• Dr John Tulloch FRCVS, Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health, University of Liverpool  

• Dr Tamzin Furtado, Lecturer in Human Behaviour Change for Animals, University of Liverpool  

Useful links: 

• RCVS latest news 

• RCVS events 

• Listen to our previous podcast 

• Mind Matters funds research into mental health and trauma support after severe occupational injury  

• RCVS Mind Matters funds new research into reasonable adjustments for SVNs and workplace wellbeing 

• RCVS ‘Understanding and managing stress in the veterinary workplace' guide  

• RCVS 'Discussing reasonable adjustments at work' guide 

• Sources of work stress in veterinary practice in the UK paper 

• RCVS Suicide prevention in the veterinary workplace  

• More information on Professor Jason Spendelow’s work - Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Specialists and Build a Psychologically Healthy Organisation 

• Dr Kevin's Teoh’s previous work with the NHS: New report provides insights on how to support NHS staff wellbeing through organisational interventions - Birkbeck, University of London