VMG to support StreetVet leadership development
StreetVet CEO Zoe Abbotts has worked with the VMG to structure the programme.
The Veterinary Management Group (VMG) is to run a development programme with veterinary charity StreetVet, which it hopes will encourage its growth.
The programme, supported by a Leadership Grant of £5,000 awarded by the Institute of Leadership (IOL), seeks to develop leadership and management knowledge across the charity.
It has been structured through collaboration between the VMG’s learning and development manager Hannah Perrin and StreetVet chief executive officer Zoe Abbotts. Dr Perrin and Ms Abbotts sought to create a year’s worth of training and resources, addressing the current leadership challenges and opportunities.
As part of the programme, the charity’s senior leadership team and staff in developmental roles will each complete the VMG’s award and certificate in veterinary leadership and management.
Each participant will focus on the priority areas for their role, which might include ‘Developing Teams’, ‘Coaching and Mentoring’ or ‘Leading Change’. StreetVet hopes that their volunteers will also benefit from the training resources, either directly or indirectly.
StreetVet is a UK-based charity that provides free essential veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness. It currently has more than 500 volunteers, including 24 teams of veterinary surgeons and nurses.
It also runs an accredited hostel scheme to find pet-friendly accommodation for those in need.
The VMG was awarded the grant by the IOL, a professional membership body, to support the development of small to medium-sized enterprises. The VMG hopes that it will now help StreetVet leaders to manage the charity in line with best practice for contemporary charity leadership.
Dr Perrin said: “As the demand for its services grows, StreetVet’s leadership team recognises the importance of developing the leadership skills and structure it needs to enable its future growth. Our training will support not just the charity’s senior leaders but also members of its outreach teams across the UK.
“We hope it will also help them in their ‘day jobs’ in veterinary practice.”
Ms Abbotts said: “StreetVet is delighted to have been approached by VMG with the opportunity to develop veterinary leadership and management skills internally.
“We’re experiencing high demand for the services and support we offer so it is crucial that we enhance our team and infrastructure to meet this demand and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our charity.”
Image © VMG
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
