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Online workshops to support 'sustainable change' in practice
VMG president Rich Casey and VDS training cosultant, Penny Barker.

VMG partners with VMD to deliver interactive sessions for veterinary leaders.

The Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has joined forces with VDS Training to support veterinary leaders with the rate of change in the profession and the way it delivers its service to patients and owners..

The groups are launching a series of online practical workshops entitled called ‘Leading Change in Veterinary Practice'. The interactive sessions will enable delegates to carry out exercises and self-assessments, as well as practise new skills.

Delegates will also be invited to discuss common challenges, think about changes they plan to implement in their business and will leave with tools and strategies tailored to their needs.

“Leading and working in a veterinary business today, especially one seeking to emerge successfully from the COVID-19 lockdown, involves a managing a diverse - and possibly anxious - team and client base while coping with heightened financial pressures, rising consumer expectations and treatment costs and against the backdrop of a global sustainability emergency and the potential for further lockdowns,” explained VMG president, Rich Casey.

“This ‘new normal’ will put extreme pressure both on veterinary leaders and on other team members responsible for supporting the implementation of change in their practices. To succeed, they will need 21st-century leadership skills and the confidence to put them into practice in a post-lockdown world. Our workshops will help them to do this.”

VDS training consultant Penny Barker added: “We know from conversations in practices, at conferences and our courses that change is a challenge for both leaders and their teams alike. Teams often feel that change is being done to them and that there is little sense of stability. Leaders feel they meet resistance at every turn and struggle to find time to think change projects through properly.

“At VDS Training, we believe that putting people at the heart of change management is the key to successfully leading change in practice - not only delivering the intended business benefits but also ensuring your team stay happy, healthy and engaged. We are excited to be partnering with the VMG to deliver these workshops. Above all, they are for veterinary leaders to come together and start some meaningful conversations about the opportunities we have to have to lead change within our practices and the profession."

The workshops will take place on the following dates:

8th July 2020
23rd September 2020
13th October 2020

To register, visit vetmg.com/shop/

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 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.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.