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Name: Westport Veterinary Clinic Type: Small Animal Practice Team members: 42

 

Westport Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice with three locations and 42 team members across central Scotland and Edinburgh, sought out Great Workplaces accreditation to further enhance its supportive team environment. With a focus on both clinical excellence and staff wellbeing, Practice Manager Fiona Leathers and Senior Vet Stuart McMorrow recognised the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. Great Workplaces accreditation presented the perfect opportunity to spotlight the clinic’s workplace culture and drive continuous improvement.  

Why Westport chose to participate  

Already known for its animal-centred accreditations, such as ‘Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice’ and ‘Cat Friendly Clinic,’ Westport wanted to shift the focus inward to the team. Stuart explained, "We’ve made significant improvements over the years, but I wanted external feedback to ensure we’re doing the best for our staff. The accreditation was a chance to see where we could improve and to confirm we’re on the right track."  

The leadership team wanted to ensure that its workplace wasn’t just functional but genuinely supportive, providing a space where all staff members felt recognised and empowered.  

 The Accreditation process – engaging the team  

The Great Workplaces accreditation process was straightforward and transparent, ensuring full engagement from the entire team. It started with a team-wide survey and face-to-face interviews, which allowed every staff member to voice their thoughts and feelings about the workplace. Fiona particularly appreciated the personal support provided by the accreditor, who walked the team through the results and ensured it understood the feedback clearly before the final report was delivered.  

“The process was really collaborative,” Fiona noted. “The accreditor’s approach made it easy for everyone to get involved, and the one-on-one discussions really added a personal touch."  

 Key takeaways – insights that drive improvement  

The accreditation provided Westport Veterinary Clinic with clear insights, highlighting both its strengths and areas for development. The team was able to celebrate its strong workplace culture while identifying actionable steps for improvement. Simple adjustments, such as refining communication channels, were implemented quickly, while larger initiatives, like enhancing team collaboration, became longer-term goals.  

“The feedback was so valuable,” Fiona reflected. “It not only showed us what we were already doing well but also gave us a practical plan for moving forward.”  

Advice for other practices  

Initially, the leadership team had concerns about how the process would unfold, but the experience proved to be invaluable. Fiona’s advice to other practices considering Great Workplaces accreditation is to embrace the opportunity for honest, constructive feedback.   

“Don’t be afraid of what the process might uncover,” Fiona advised. “It’s a great way to truly understand your team’s needs and to continue building a workplace that supports everyone. We’ve seen real benefits from it.”  

“You’ve got to create the practice you want to work in. We spend so much time at work; you have to make it a place where people want to be. You don’t want to cling on to people due to adversity. Looking after your team is tantamount to having a great workplace.”  

Westport Veterinary Clinic is now more focused than ever on maintaining a positive and thriving workplace, thanks to the insights and support from the Great Workplaces accreditation.  

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