Virtual success

It’s now possible to ‘listen again’ to our first ever Virtual Question Time, hosted by the Webinar Vet on 24 April 2013.

Around 80 vets, veterinary nurses and practice managers tuned in for the free live event, nearly twice the number we usually see at traditional Regional Question Time meetings.

Given the positive feedback, we will certainly be trying another webinar-style meeting – perhaps based around a single topic, with more scope for input from delegates.

According to a poll carried out during the meeting, 100% of delegates found the event useful.

Feedback after the event included: “Definitely worthwhile and more attendees than if 100 miles away,” “Thank you very much for this opportunity to communicate, more please!!” and “Very good. Have enjoyed and will do again”.

Questions tackled by the RCVS panel, which included all of the Officer team, plus the Vice-Chairman of VN Council, included veterinary nurse training, the supply of veterinary students, the Cascade, dangerous dogs, what constitutes continuing professional development and transparency from the College.

“Not only was this a cost-effective way of reaching a larger audience than our traditional Question Time meetings, but webinars are also likely to appeal to those who struggle to be away from home in the evenings because of family commitments, or who work different shift patterns,” says Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications.

“This means we can reach the parts of the profession that we may not normally reach.

“We will continue with our Regional Question Time meetings, as there is a greater sense of engagement and debate when people meet face to face.

"But, given the positive feedback, we will certainly be trying another webinar-style meeting – perhaps based around a single topic, with more scope for input from delegates,” she added.

The next traditional Regional Question Time meeting will take place at the Bowburn Hall hotel in Durham, on Wednesday 15 May. Invitations have been sent to those living within reasonable travelling distance, but all are welcome. Please contact Fiona Harcourt on [email protected], for more information.

The Virtual Question Time recording can be accessed at The Webinar Vet. NB the sound quality in the first ten minutes of the event is a little poor, but please bear with it, it improves after that.