The Action
The VET-PASS programme runs through focused working groups, each led by volunteers from across Europe. Their objectives and published outputs appear here as the work progresses.
1–48
Evidence Base and Data Governance
Develops and maintains the Veterinary Specialisation Database (D1) — a publicly accessible, GDPR-compliant online register with structured metadata on national systems, accreditation bodies, training pathways, recognition mechanisms and specialist titles across COST Members. Also defines the Data Governance and Metadata Standard (D2) covering the data dictionary, inclusion criteria, source-verification protocol, update workflow and privacy procedures.
6–48
Workforce Intelligence and Market Analysis
Integrates specialisation data with human, animal, demographic and workforce indicators to identify regional and sectoral needs, gaps and opportunities. Produces the Pan-European Veterinary Specialisation Market Analysis (D3, interim M24 / final M42) and Policy Briefs on Workforce Planning and Recognition (D4, M30 and M44).
12–42
Standards, Quality Assurance and Recognition
Compares existing national, supranational and provider-led specialisation schemes to identify convergent principles, quality assurance approaches and recognition barriers. Produces the Harmonised Standards and Quality Assurance Guidelines (D6, M36) — consensus-based guidelines covering training criteria, assessment principles, CPD alignment, quality assurance benchmarks and mutual recognition principles. Also contributes to Policy Briefs (D4).
1–48
Stakeholder Engagement, Communication and Valorisation
Maintains structured stakeholder dialogue with veterinary associations, colleges, regulatory bodies, CPD providers and the European Commission. Coordinates co-creation processes and delivers the Stakeholder Engagement and Co-creation Toolkit (D5, M18 v1 / M36 v2) and the Communication, Dissemination and Valorisation Package (D9, M12 launch and annual updates). Formed by merging original WP3 (Stakeholder Collaboration) and WP6 (Outreach and Dissemination).
18–48
Career Development and Educational Innovation
Develops career-planning guides, a mentoring framework, self-assessment tools and adaptable learning resources for veterinarians pursuing specialisation — the Career Development and Mentoring Toolkit (D7, M30 v1 / M48 v2). Simultaneously researches and pilots digital, interdisciplinary and learner-centred postgraduate education approaches, producing the Educational Innovation Pilot Report (D8, M42) with at least three case studies. Formed by merging original WP5 (Career Development) and WP7 (Educational Innovation).
1–48
Inclusiveness, Monitoring and Sustainability
Monitors Action progress against milestones, deliverables, risks and impact. Implements the ITC/YRI/gender-balance plan specified by the COST Scientific Committee and maintains the Inclusiveness, Monitoring and Sustainability Dashboard (D10, M12 baseline / annual updates) — tracking KPIs, ITC participation, YRI involvement, gender balance, leadership distribution and corrective actions. Managed by the Management Committee.