First non-clinical workplace achieves Silver accreditation through new Great Workplaces by BVA scheme

It is the first non-clinical veterinary workplace to achieve accreditation, demonstrating particular strength in mentoring, psychological wellbeing, career development and performance conversations.

The innovative new scheme, which launched earlier this year, is open to both clinical and non-clinical workplaces and a number of veterinary teams have already completed the process.

British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux 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.

“The new scheme is the latest step in BVA’s support for the profession as it tackles ongoing workforce challenges including recruitment and retention. This latest achievement is another great opportunity to recognise and celebrate workplaces where vet teams thrive.”

The scheme, which is underpinned by BVA’s Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative, recognises positive workplace culture and aims to help build a thriving veterinary workforce. To secure accreditation the team at Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery worked collaboratively with a dedicated, experienced accreditor from a veterinary background. The 107-person team, including 40 vets, demonstrated its strength against an accreditation framework covering four key themes: health and wellbeing; leadership and management; culture; and learning and development.

Elena McWatt, Head of the Veterinary Profession in FSS, said it had chosen to undertake the accreditation process to promote continuous improvement in its workplace. During the process members of the team were able to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe and confidential setting and were also invited to suggest areas that could be improved for current and future employees. The confidential report also identified areas of focus for the future, which will support the team if it chooses to work towards Gold accreditation.

Commenting on the achievement, Elena said: "I’m extremely proud to have achieved Silver accreditation, having confirmed that FSS is a supportive and nurturing environment, with a huge focus on our people, offering excellent career development opportunities and constantly striving for improvement.

“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.”

Successful workplaces can achieve either Gold or Silver accreditation. Those that don’t meet the criteria yet will be recognised as ‘working towards’ accreditation and will be supported to make the changes needed to achieve success next time around. Successful workplaces will hold accreditation for three years and at the end of that period they will be required to undergo reassessment to retain accredited status. 

To find out more about Great Workplaces by BVA and to register your interest in taking part in the scheme or to read about other workplaces that have undertaken accreditation, visit BVA’s website. London Vet Show attendees can also join our BVA Congress session Great Workplaces: is culture the key to a thriving profession? to hear directly from Great Workplaces by BVA accreditors and teams who have been assessed.