Our veterinary profession is (fortunately) blessed in the modern age with lots of support for colleagues struggling with their mental health wellbeing.  Oftentimes, this care is drawn upon when problems have manifested.  Our guest onthis edition of Practice Matters, GEORGINA HILLS from Vetamorphosis, joins Ian to talk through how practice leaders and team members can look for the subtle signs of mental distress before they reach that crisis point.  George discusses this with the benefit of a ‘dual lens’ – she is a long-time experienced veterinary nurse, practice manager who in2022 made the courageous choice to transition into the third sector as a Community and Mental Health Advocate withing the NHS and is now also a Transactional Psychotherapist with Vetamorphosis.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice if you have been affected by any of the issues raised.  Send us a voicenote to 07709 83 68 65

https://www.vetamorphosis.co.uk

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/

It’s our 10-year anniversary! 

To celebrate a decade of FIVP representing independent practices, Ian Wolstenholme and the FIVP team reflect on the organisation’s humble origins and look to the future for the sector. Joining Ian is chairperson Rita Dingwall, co-founder Jacqui Garrett and administrator Ruth Cleaver. 

FIVP was founded in 2016 as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to securing a future for independent practices. We work closely with practice owners and managers, ensuring they have they are supported and represented to grow their business. 

Don’t forget to share how your practice showcases its independence! Whether you are an FIVP member or not, we want to hear how your stories about engaging with your community. Send a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865 

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: [email protected]

As 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-plan

To hear our episode musical outro from VetChoir UK, visit: www.facebook.com/vetchoiruk or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Z6IrzKP4A

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a Voice Note or message to 07709 836865