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New awards recognise wellbeing in veterinary workplaces
The new awards introduces a non-clinical category.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards celebrate workplaces that support employee wellbeing.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has introduced new awards, which will recognise veterinary workplaces that go above and beyond supporting the wellbeing of their staff.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards come two years after the BVA introduced its Good Veterinary Workplaces campaign, and will celebrate workplaces that follow their ethos.

The new awards are an evolution of the previous Vet Wellbeing Awards, which were sponsored by Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and run in partnership with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative. Workplaces will be assessed against the BVA Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards also introduces a non-clinical category, meaning that veterinary workplaces are now awarded in the following categories:

    • Small/Medium Practice (Up to 25 employees)
    • Large Practice (Over 25 employees)
    • Non-Clinical Workplace

Any veterinary team is invited to nominate their workplace for the award, with no requirement of being a BVA member. It is encouraged that nominations are a team effort, allowing everyone the opportunity to voice their views.

Creativity in submissions is encouraged, and they should provide evidence and images that show the workplace has:

  • A positive workplace culture, where mental and physical wellbeing is prioritised and stress is managed
  • Good communication across the team
  • Clear processes for making suggestions and enabling change
  • Flexible working and encourages breaks

BVA junior vice-president Anna Judson, who will also be one of the judges for the awards, said: “The culture in a workplace has an impact on every aspect of a business, but most especially when it comes to building a happy, healthy and resilient workforce. That’s why it’s so important that staff feel heard, valued and supported.

“BVA’s Wellbeing Awards are an important opportunity for teams to shout about innovative practices that are going the extra mile to support wellbeing. After all, good veterinary workplaces are good for people, good for animals in their care and ultimately good for business.”

Winners will be announced at BVA’s Gala Dinner during the London Vet Show in November. Nominations close on Monday, 11 September 2023. To nominate a veterinary workplace, and for more details on the entry criteria, plus full terms and conditions, visit their website.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.