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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.
Food Standards Scotland: Meat Operational Delivery awarded by Great Workplaces scheme.

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

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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.