Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.