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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.