Wellbeing in the Workplace: Initiatives to Support the Veterinary Profession

Statistics from the Voice of the Veterinary Profession Autumn 2023 survey, held by the BVA (British Veterinary Association), indicate that 26% of vets (1 in 4) feel that people welfare management in their workplace is ‘not very good’ or terrible’.

“Whether you’re an employee, an employer or a manager we all want to ensure that our workplaces have clear and effective structures and support in place to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and respectfully,” said BVA Junior Vice President Elizabeth Mullineaux.

In response to these finds, the BVA have launched a new employment hub. The hub brings together expert information guides, legal support, and topical journal articles, to give easy access to common queries.

“This new hub pulls together the invaluable range of employment-related resources and advice BVA offers to members, on everything from pay and flexible working to employment contracts, giving employers and employees quick access to support with some of the most common queries in veterinary workplaces.”

This comes as RCVS announces a new scheme, commencing in January 2024, which will see their Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) offering veterinary professionals an opportunity to become Mental Health First Aiders, subsidising a training course led by Mental Health First Aid England.

The MMI was launched in 2015. It’s goal is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those within the veterinary profession. It operates as a three-pronged project: prevent, protect, and support.

Further information:

• Vetlife Helpline
  0303 040 2551 or via email info@vetmindmatters.org
  Anyone within veterinary profession can access confidential support 24/7. This can be for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug misuse.

• BVA Employment Hub