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No out-of-hours, night checks, Sundays, or bank holidays required. Saturday mornings optional at 1:3 or 1:6 rota (8am–1pm only).
About the Role
This is your chance to join an award-winning small animal practice in Biddulph, Staffordshire, where flexibility isn't just a buzzword—it's how they operate. You'll work between 20 and 40 hours across 2 to 5 days a week, with no out-of-hours or night shifts required. Saturday mornings can be 1 in 3 or 1 in 6 (8am–1pm only), and the practice is genuinely open to discussing alternative patterns that suit your life.
The practice has ditched traditional full-time/part-time labels entirely. Vets, nurses, and receptionists all work varying hours as equal team members—whether you want to consult only, split your passion between surgery and imaging, or work a mix of full days and shorter shifts. What matters is finding what works for you.
Appointment times are realistic: 20 minutes standard, 40 minutes for complex cases and euthanasia. The practice genuinely aims to finish on time every time, and if you slip into your lunch, they give the time back. This is Petplan Practice of the Year 2019 (multiple award winner), with facilities and values to match.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide small animal veterinary care across a range of cases and presentations
- Conduct consultations at realistic appointment lengths (20–40 minutes depending on case complexity)
- Perform surgical and diagnostic imaging work (or consult-only if preferred)
- Contribute to the wellbeing and cohesion of a 6-vet team (4–5 FTE) with experience ranging from 3 months to 20 years
- Engage in follow-ups, note-writing, and case management with dedicated time built into the diary (1 hour lunch + 1hr 40mins admin time daily)
- Work flexibly across the practice's single site with two theatres, dedicated clinical office, eight consulting rooms, and dedicated cat-only ward (Cat Friendly Silver status)
- Participate in same-day and emergency slots designed to manage unexpected cases without stress
Requirements
- Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
- Some practical experience preferred (the practice recently welcomed a new graduate but values experience where possible)
- Willingness to spend at least a day observing the practice before committing—the team insists on this to ensure cultural fit
- Open to discussing any special skills, certificates, or preferences relevant to small animal work
Benefits
- Salary: £40,000–£65,000 based on 40-hour FTE (pro rata), plus up to £5,000 welcome bonus
- Work-life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata), plus additional holiday for your birthday
- Flexibility: 20–40 hours across 2–5 days; no OOH, nights, Sundays, or bank holidays required; optional Saturday mornings at 1:3 or 1:6
- Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay); workplace initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
- Professional Development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata); certificate support; learning via IVC Evidensia Academy; access to Vetlexicon online resource; research funding available; £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance per vet
- Professional Support: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
- Facilities: Two staff rooms with pool table, massage chair, espresso machine, hot chocolate machine, toastie maker, and shower; outdoor staff area for walks, cycles, or runs
- Colleague Benefits: Company pension with employer contribution; Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme; voluntary benefits with retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices
About the Practice
Blue House Veterinary Centre is a 100% small animal, single-site practice in Biddulph that joined IVC Evidensia five years ago. The team comprises six vets (4–5 FTE) with diverse experience and interests spanning 3 months to 20 years in practice. The practice is known for its award-winning approach to care and culture: Petplan Practice of the Year 2019 and two previous award winners, with their practice manager a 2022 finalist.
The facility is purpose-designed for wellbeing: eight consulting rooms, two full theatres, a dedicated dental theatre, large training room, dedicated clinical office, euthanasia room, and a cat-only ward with Cat Friendly Silver status. The design emphasises natural light, airy spaces, and accessibility throughout (level access, fully accessible practice). The team is inclusive and supportive, encouraging open dialogue and valuing every team member's input—whether you join in social activities or prefer to keep work and personal life separate. The practice is a committed BAME and LGBTQ+ inclusive employer and a Disability Confident Employer, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds and happy to discuss reasonable adjustments.
