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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.