Practices urged to improve working environments
The code aims to ensure that working settings are supportive and welcoming for all members of the veterinary team.
UK veterinary practices are being urged to commit to better working environments after new figures show just 40 per cent of vets rate their practice as 'very good'.
The call from the BVA comes amid new figures taken from the Association’s Spring 2021 Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey.
When asked whether they consider their current or most recent workplace to be a good place to work, 40 per cent of vets responded ‘Yes - very good’, 47 per cent responded ‘Yes - fairly good’ and nine per cent responded ‘No’.
In response to the findings, the BVA is reminding practices of its
Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code, which sets out clear criteria for what makes a good workplace. Launched in September 2020, the code aims to ensure that working settings are supportive and welcoming for all members of the veterinary team.
BVA senior vice President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We were aware as we launched the Code last Autumn that it might be difficult for some teams to engage with it during such a busy and challenging year.
“We know that the pressures of the pandemic and workforce shortages combined with the challenges as we leave the European Union have made this a uniquely difficult time for Team Vet. But at the same time, we were reluctant to delay the launch of a tool with the potential to make such a positive difference to the working lives of all our members.”
To mark one year since the launch of the Code, the BVA has updated its Good Workplace Hub to include a handy flowchart to guide teams through the process of assessing what they already do well. There is also guidance on identifying areas for improvement and any HR and management processes that need to be introduced to achieve a positive workplace culture.
Ms Dos Santos added: “We know that many vet teams have successfully engaged with the code this year and found both the process and the outcomes incredibly rewarding. We’re also aware that many teams have felt on the brink of overwhelm just getting through this difficult time.
“While many challenges look set to continue I would really urge every veterinary workplace to use these tools and ‘get started’. These are improvements that will make working life easier, less stressful and more rewarding for the whole team. And really it doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you start somewhere.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
