First non-clinical workplace achieves BVA scheme accreditation
“We know that veterinary workplaces are incredibly diverse and we are passionate about creating positive working environments in every area of the profession” – Elizabeth Mullineaux.
A non-clinical veterinary workplace has achieved accreditation in the British Veterinary Association's (BVA's) Great Workplaces scheme for the first time.
Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery has been awarded Silver accreditation after it demonstrated particular strength in mentoring, career development, performance conversations, and psychological wellbeing.
Previously, only veterinary practices have achieved accreditation in the scheme which was launched by the BVA as part of its Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative to recognise positive workplace culture.
In order to be awarded accreditation, Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery worked with a BVA accreditor to demonstrate its strengths against four key themes: health and wellbeing, leadership and management, culture, and learning and development.
The Great Workplaces scheme awards workplaces either Gold or Silver accreditation. Workplaces which have achieved accreditation are required to undergo reassessment after three years.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, 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.”
Elena McWatt, head veterinarian at Food Standards Scotland, added: “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.”
Image © Shutterstock
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. 
