First veterinary practice awarded Gold accreditation through Great Workplaces by BVA scheme

The Swadlincote and Melbourne-based IVC Evidensia practice worked collaboratively with a Great Workplaces by BVA accreditor during the pilot of the innovative scheme, to demonstrate its strengths against an accreditation framework covering four key themes: health and wellbeing; leadership and management; culture; and learning and development. 

In the report, the accreditor was particularly impressed by the practice’s strong leadership and management; its emphasis on accommodating flexibility for team members in various forms; a robust teamworking ethos; and a focus on continuous improvement.

Commenting on the accreditation, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said:

“We’re delighted to see Swadlincote Veterinary Centre become the first veterinary workplace to achieve Gold accreditation through Great Workplaces by BVA scheme. Congratulations to the whole practice team for this incredible recognition.

“Creating positive working environments and targeting areas for improvement are the key to tackling ongoing workforce challenges around recruitment and retention. We hope this first Gold accreditation inspires others to strive towards gaining recognition as workplaces where vet teams thrive.”

Commenting on their achievement, Ingrid Stevenson, Clinical Director at Swadlincote Veterinary Centre, said:

“While we knew the practice was doing well, we didn’t go into this process expecting Gold at all. That was really a wonderful surprise. My practice manager and I were just both really keen to get some feedback and to find out what more we could do to help the team.

“We have several clinical accreditations in the practice, but it is the team that are responsible for achieving these and maintaining the high standards. I believe the team should be looked after, recognised and rewarded for their hard work and going above and beyond when necessary. The team were really pleased when I shared the news. It has certainly been good for team morale and a positive outcome to share with potential new recruits.'

“The accreditation process was a thorough assessment of the practice and our accreditor made us feel all at ease during the interviews. While we achieved Gold, which was unexpected, we have also learnt of areas to develop further over the coming months. Overall, it was a positive experience for our practice.”

The Great Workplaces by BVA workplace accreditation scheme is underpinned by BVA’s Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative and is open to both clinical and non-clinical workplaces. The scheme recognises and rewards positive workplace culture and aims to help build a thriving veterinary workforce. Veterinary workplaces can achieve either Gold or Silver accreditation, which they will hold for three years. 

To find out more about Great Workplaces by BVA and to register your interest in taking part in the scheme, visit our website.