CPD and training plans are made for all employees annually, as part of an annual 1:1 meeting. We do a lot of the usual in-house training within normal working ours e.g., new equipment, ‘lunch and learns’, but also have time for 1:1 training. For example, John does surgical training with our assistant vets, and Laura has spent time teaching ultrasound techniques. We have done cytology training for the nursing team and arranged exotics CPD with our exotics vet.

We have a well-stocked library (all the BSAVA manuals for a start) and enjoy discussing cases. Regular vets meetings include ‘journal club’ where we can share any recent discoveries, as well as new products.

We support and fund external CPD, ranging from online courses to attendance at conferences, to certificates. Currently vet Michelle is studying her BSAVA medicine certificate. We supported our head nurse Caz through her DipAVN and BSc, cat crazy Claire through her ISFM certificate and RVN Laura Holderness, who recently completed her behaviour certificate. Nurses Laura Sproul, Caz and Ellen are all enrolled on certificates in nutrition, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and emergency and critical care respectively. Lynzi, who joined us in 2023, has recently enrolled on her exotics nursing certificate programme.