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First non-clinical workplace achieves BVA scheme accreditation
“We know that veterinary workplaces are incredibly diverse and we are passionate about creating positive working environments in every area of the profession” – Elizabeth Mullineaux.
Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery awarded by Great Workplaces scheme.

A non-clinical veterinary workplace has achieved accreditation in the British Veterinary Association's (BVA's) Great Workplaces scheme for the first time.

Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery has been awarded Silver accreditation after it demonstrated particular strength in mentoring, career development, performance conversations, and psychological wellbeing.

Previously, only veterinary practices have achieved accreditation in the scheme which was launched by the BVA as part of its Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative to recognise positive workplace culture.

In order to be awarded accreditation, Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery worked with a BVA accreditor to demonstrate its strengths against four key themes: health and wellbeing, leadership and management, culture, and learning and development.

The Great Workplaces scheme awards workplaces either Gold or Silver accreditation. Workplaces which have achieved accreditation are required to undergo reassessment after three years.

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “It’s wonderful to see a non-clinical veterinary workplace join the growing number of practices who have secured accreditation through Great Workplaces by BVA.

“We know that veterinary workplaces are incredibly diverse and we are passionate about creating positive working environments in every area of the profession.”
 
Elena McWatt, head veterinarian at Food Standards Scotland, added: “We have significantly improved our working environment over the past few years, with enhancements to pay and benefits, revised management structure to provide adequate support to all field staff and accredited training and mentoring programme for new vets joining, to mention just a few.

“We signed up for the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation for two reasons: to confirm processes that work well and should be maintained, but also to identify areas that require more management focus.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.