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New awards recognise wellbeing in veterinary workplaces
The new awards introduces a non-clinical category.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards celebrate workplaces that support employee wellbeing.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has introduced new awards, which will recognise veterinary workplaces that go above and beyond supporting the wellbeing of their staff.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards come two years after the BVA introduced its Good Veterinary Workplaces campaign, and will celebrate workplaces that follow their ethos.

The new awards are an evolution of the previous Vet Wellbeing Awards, which were sponsored by Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and run in partnership with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative. Workplaces will be assessed against the BVA Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards also introduces a non-clinical category, meaning that veterinary workplaces are now awarded in the following categories:

    • Small/Medium Practice (Up to 25 employees)
    • Large Practice (Over 25 employees)
    • Non-Clinical Workplace

Any veterinary team is invited to nominate their workplace for the award, with no requirement of being a BVA member. It is encouraged that nominations are a team effort, allowing everyone the opportunity to voice their views.

Creativity in submissions is encouraged, and they should provide evidence and images that show the workplace has:

  • A positive workplace culture, where mental and physical wellbeing is prioritised and stress is managed
  • Good communication across the team
  • Clear processes for making suggestions and enabling change
  • Flexible working and encourages breaks

BVA junior vice-president Anna Judson, who will also be one of the judges for the awards, said: “The culture in a workplace has an impact on every aspect of a business, but most especially when it comes to building a happy, healthy and resilient workforce. That’s why it’s so important that staff feel heard, valued and supported.

“BVA’s Wellbeing Awards are an important opportunity for teams to shout about innovative practices that are going the extra mile to support wellbeing. After all, good veterinary workplaces are good for people, good for animals in their care and ultimately good for business.”

Winners will be announced at BVA’s Gala Dinner during the London Vet Show in November. Nominations close on Monday, 11 September 2023. To nominate a veterinary workplace, and for more details on the entry criteria, plus full terms and conditions, visit their website.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.