Scottish companion animal practice achieves Silver accreditation through new Great Workplaces by BVA scheme

It is the third practice to achieve silver status, demonstrating particular strength in psychological and physical wellbeing, work life balance and flexibility and leader capability.

The innovative new workplace accreditation scheme is underpinned by BVA’s Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative and is open to both clinical and non-clinical workplaces. The accreditation scheme recognises and rewards positive workplace culture and aims to help build a thriving veterinary workforce.

British Veterinary Association President Dr Anna Judson said: “At BVA we are passionate about building a resilient and sustainable veterinary workforce. We know that veterinary careers can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding and we’re delighted to see Vets4Pets Bearsden joining the growing number of veterinary workplaces to secure accreditation through Great Workplaces by BVA.

“Creating positive working environments and targeting areas for improvement are the key to tackling ongoing workforce challenges around recruitment and retention. This is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate workplaces where vet teams thrive.”

To secure their accreditation Vets4Pets Bearsden worked collaboratively with a dedicated, experienced accreditor from a veterinary background to demonstrate their strengths against an accreditation framework covering four key themes: health and wellbeing; leadership and management; culture; and learning and development.

Practice Manager at Bearsden Vets4Pets, Gemma Lamont, said they had chosen to undertake the accreditation process to promote continuous improvement in their workplace. During the process 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. Their confidential report also identified areas of focus for the future, which will support them if they choose to work towards Gold accreditation.

Commenting on their achievement, Gemma said: "The whole team are delighted to have Silver accreditation and to be part of an accredited team. Great Workplaces has given us a real insight into how our team feel. We better understand our strengths and now have great insight into our opportunities. This has given us clarity and a greater perspective that we could not have achieved on our own.

“The process of accreditation was well structured and easy to implement from a practice level with great support from start to finish from a BVA team that understand the veterinary industry and therefore how to make the accreditation process flow seamlessly in practice.”

The new scheme is the latest step in BVA’s support for the profession as it tackles ongoing workforce challenges including recruitment and retention. 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 their accreditation for three years and at the end of that period they will be required to undergo reassessment to retain their accredited status. 

Find out more about Great Workplaces by BVA and register your interest in taking part in the scheme.