FIVP Practice Matters

On this edition of Practice Matters we hear about some of the latest practice support strategies around the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative.  The College Lead RAPINDERNEWTON tells us about the new Academy courses for Managers, MMI online workshops and Applied Mental Health Science, as well as guidance for the forthcoming requirement as part of the Practice Standards Scheme to have a Suicide Prevention Plan in place.  We also meet Professor Elinor O’Connor from the Alliance Business School at the University of Manchester - one of the 2025 Research Grant Award recipients about their work and how independent practices can contribute to their research project to support wellbeing in practice.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in the episode, please contact:Vetlife - https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/HOW TO HELP WITH RESEARCH:The University of Manchester and Birkbeck, University of London are undertaking a research project funded by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative on organisational stress management and wellbeing initiatives in the UK veterinary sector. Many stress-management initiatives aim to develop workers’ ability to cope with stress, for example mindfulness. In contrast, organisational wellbeing initiatives are those that target sources of stress at work by changing how work is arranged or managed; examples might include changes to rota systems, workload management strategies, or efforts to improve communication or support within teams.If you are currently working or have worked in the UK veterinary sector and have been involved in implementing or participating in an organisational wellbeing initiative in the past three years, the research team would like to hear about your experiences People working in any role in the veterinary sector can participate in the study (e.g. clinical staff, animal care assistants, receptionists etc). Please contact Professor Elinor O’Connor for more details: elinor.oconnor@manchester.ac.ukAs ever, we would love to hear from your practice. You can send us a voice note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode of the FIVP Practice Matters podcast,we explore two recent developments shaping the veterinary and animal welfare landscape. The first topic comes from the BVNA Congress, where certified animal behaviourist Dr Andrew Hale discusses how modern understanding of pet behaviour has evolved. Andrew explains how shifting perspectives on animal emotions, stress, andcommunication are influencing the way veterinary teams, particularly vet nurses, interpret and manage behaviour in clinical settings.The episode also features another change-maker – Dr. TomWard, lead scientist at Warrington-based research company XCellR8. Dr Ward describes the company’s pioneering work in the cosmetics and personal care industries to replace controversial animal testing. He outlines new innovativelaboratory methods and technologies that allow products to be tested safely and ethically without animals, highlighting how scientific progress is accelerating the global move toward more humane research and product development practices.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode of Practice Matters, we explore how transparency within veterinary teams can transform client relationships and strengthen practice culture.   Drawing on expert insights from Dr Rebecca Maher from Inside Minds, we unpack why transparency isn’t just about pricing—it’s about communicating value, fostering clarity, and helping clientsfeel confident in their decisions.   Vet teams often shy away from open conversations about cost and care, but when approached with empathy and behavioural insight, transparency builds trust, reduces surprises, and enhances client satisfaction. Learn how teams can embrace openness, improve communication skills, and make every interaction more meaningful for clients and their pets.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice – send us a voice note or message to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, we’rejoined by Sinead Bennett, veterinary surgeon and owner of MCR Vets in Salford, one of our new member practices.Sinead shares her journey of building a modern, community-focused practice and the realities of being a vet owner in today’s rapidly changing profession. We explore leadership, culture, and what it really takes to create a practice thatsupports both clients and teams. From navigating growth to staying true to your values, Sinead offers honest insights and practical reflections that will resonate with anyone involved in independent practice. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation not to be missed.https://www.mcrvets.com/As ever, we would love to hear from YOUR practice! Send us a voice note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this bonus episode of Practice Matters, we bring together four independent veterinary practices to explore the real-world implications of the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed actions following its ongoing investigation into the veterinary sector. From pricing transparency and client trust to operational pressures and professional autonomy, our guests share candid perspectives on what these changes could mean for independent practices on the ground. Drawing on day-to-day experience, they discuss both the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how practices can prepare for potential reform. It’s an honest, practical conversation about safeguarding independence while navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.How do you see the CMA investigation affecting YOUR practice? As ever, we'd love to hear from you - why not send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Our guest on this edition is Mark Ware, the voice behind the Not A Vet Podcast – a refreshingly honest, no-nonsense show exploring life in and around the veterinary world. Mark isn’t a vet, but he brings a unique outsider’s perspective, asking the questions others don’t and highlighting the real stories behind the profession. From mental health and career pressures to the lighter side of animal care, his podcast mixes insight, humour, and authenticity. With engaging conversations and relatable experiences, Not A Vet Podcast has built a strong community around openness, support, and understanding what it really means to work with animals from someone who has been a well-known industry figure for more than a quarter of a century.A ever, we'd love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

FIVP Practice Matters dives into the issues shaping the future of veterinary practice, and in this first episode of the new series, we explore one of the most significant developments facing the profession today. We are joined by Dr David Reader and Dr Scott Summers, who have used the CMA investigation into veterinary household pets as a central focus of their research.Together, they unpack what prompted their investigation (which actually started before the CMA launched its own), what the CMA is seeking to understand, and why this scrutiny matters for practices, clients, and the wider veterinary sector. Drawing on their research, David and Scott offer clear insight into themes such as transparency, pricing, consumer trust, and how regulatory attention may influence day-to-day clinical and business decisions.This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine evidence, context, and potential implications, helping listeners make sense of a complex and evolving landscape.You can read Dr Reader and Dr Summers’ full findings here. Don’t forget you can read FIVP’s full response to the CMA and our Impact Assessment on the FIVP website.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is JustinPhillips, the founder and director of Practice Made Purrfect, aveterinary marketing and business consultancy dedicated to helping practices across the UK and Ireland thrive through smarter strategy, clearer communication, and better client engagement. With over 20 years’ experience in veterinary marketing including roles growing independent practices and leading marketing for more than 350 clinics, Justin brings a practical, evidence-based approach to every challenge. A true advocate for pet health plans, Justin is “evangelistic” about their value for practices, clients and patients alike. Heargues that thoughtfully designed plans are essential for modern practice growth, improving efficiency, profitability, and clinical impact. He emphasises that good plans should be simple, aligned with what pets and owners actually need, and structured to remove barriers to care — all while fostering regular engagement and strengthening the bond between practices and pet owners. You can find more information at: https://www.practicemadepurrfect.com/services/supercharge-your-pet-health-planTo hear our episode musical outro from VetChoir UK, visit: www.facebook.com/vetchoiruk or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Z6IrzKP4AAs ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a Voice Note or message to 07709 836865

At FIVP, we’re lucky to meet countless vet students through careers fairs across the UK, giving us real insight into their EMS experiences and what they truly need as they prepare for life in practice. We’re currently working with the Edinburgh Dick Vet and the RVC on an upcoming forum exploring how independent practices can better support new graduates. Our guest on this edition is someone who understands this landscape inside out. Anna Pill, author of the brilliantly witty blog Getting New Grads to Swipe Right, joins us to unpack what vet students are really looking for.It's all about the vibe....

In this episode, we welcome HELEN BALLANTYNE RVN, VN —keynote speaker at the 2025 BVNA Congress. Helen’s powerful address explored the concept of One Health, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. With her dual qualification in medical and veterinary nursing, she challenged delegates to embrace leadership and progression without relying on buzzwords, instead focusing on meaningful collaboration and advocacy. Her insights resonated deeply with veterinary professionals, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Helen shares her vision for a future where veterinary nurses are central to global health conversations.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Welcome to this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, where we explore how independent veterinary practices can build strong, effective partnerships with Cats Protection. As the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection offers vital support in rehoming, neutering, and education. By working collaboratively, practices can enhance care for stray and unwanted cats, streamline referral processes, and contribute meaningfully to community welfare. We’ll discuss practical strategies, shared goals, and how to align clinical services with charitable initiatives to improve outcomes for cats and clients alike. Whether you're new to working with Cats Protection or looking to strengthen ties, this episode is for you.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

In this episode of 'Practice Matters' we feature FIVP practice Catmose Vets based in Rutland, the second smallest historic ceremonial county after the City of London. Just over a year ago, vet owner VICTOR ORTIZ escaped the corporate world to set up his own practice team. Was it the right decision?As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Just ahead of their milestone 60th Anniversary congress celebrations, this edition of Practice Matters provides an opportunity to meet new incoming BVNA president SARAH HOLLIDAY.  At an important moment for the association, we learn more about just what their diamond jubilee year theme of ‘Progression for veterinary nurses’ means and hear about some of the barriers (plus successes) that our nursing colleagues face, in trying to progress their role and responsibilities.As ever we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

A vital part of the team, the responsibilities of the veterinary receptionist have changed significantly over time. In many practices, they are the glue holding the team together. They are the welcoming voice on the phone, the calm mind behind a hectic schedule, the reliable support with everyday admin – and so much more... Indispensable? Well, from experience, you certainly know when they are on holiday or absent! With Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day (1 October) on the horizon, we chat with BVRA Business Executive DANNI POOLE and BVRA Council member RACHAEL PARKIN about the changing role of the veterinary receptionist. How do you celebrate the veterinary receptionists in your team? As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

What’s the connection between the man who invented the smartphone-controlled pedestrian crossing, guide dogs and making vet (and other venues) visits more accessible for disabled people?  The answer is Gavin Neate who joins us on this episode of Practice Matters and chats about his passion for seeing everyone as equal through an equitable lensand putting in place the methods that make this possible.As always, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is Dr Sanjay Mangabhai, a vet for 35 years and owner of Warm Embrace – one of our valued FIVP member practices which specialises in end-of-life pet care and euthanasia in the home.Sanjay explains why he chose to focus on end-of-life care, the support and training his team requires, and the considerations he makes for a pet owner preparing to say a final goodbye to their beloved pet. He explores the decisions that clients may face during this difficult time and discusses how practices can make pet euthanasia a more respectful experience for pets and their owners.For more information about CAETA visit https://caetainternational.comAs ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

One of the many reasons for these FIVP Practice Matters podcasts is to shine a light on member practices. On this edition we catch up again with GARY KELLY from Warren House in the Midlands and hear about their new referral service - Vetemis - which offers a range of laparoscopic services which independent first-opinion clinics can access.As ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Inevitably, no matter how things may run in general practice, from time-to-time there will be issues around price, service or treatment etc., and can, with a little in-house mediation, be resolved most of the time. But...if there's an impasse, what happens next?JENNIE JONES, Head of the VCMS, joins Ian Wolstenholme for an overview of their services and how their independent impartial advice can help smooth troubled waters.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Do send us a Voice Message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this edition we mark that which, by her own admission, is the pinnacle of FIVP Chair RITA DINGWALL'S long and distinguished career in veterinary practice management.Rita was presented with Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at the RCVS College Day in Westminster on 4th July 2025 and Practice Matters was there to talk with Rita about how the role of a practice manager has developed since she started as a practice secretary more than three decades ago!We hear from some of Rita's friends and colleagues, all of whom send heartfelt and sincere congratulations on this very special recognition by the College.A ever, we would love to hear your stories from practice life. Why not send us a Voice Note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65.

Please note this episode contains discussions of abuse and animal abuse.Abuse in any form is something we don’t often like to think of, let alone talk about, especially in a professional capacity and for members of a caring profession like veterinary, even just acknowledging that an animal’s injury may be deliberate can be incredibly challenging.  Sadly, there is robust evidence that animals can also be abused in households where people are being abused.On this episode of ‘Practice Matters’ we are joined by VICKI BETTON, Vice Chair and Trustee and also Director of Global Impact at iCatCare, who explains more about the work of the charity.For more information please visit: Links_Group_Brochure_7_2024.pdfAs always, we would love to hear from your practice. Why not let us know about your latest projects or experiences by sending a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65