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1:8 weekend on-call rota and 1:8 weeknight on-call rota, supported by Equicall. Occasionally 1:4 to provide inpatient cover on Equicall nights, but this is rare. One day TOIL awarded for working a weekend on-call shift, to be taken when desired.
About the Role
This is your launchpad into equine practice. You'll join Churchfield Equine Clinic in the scenic rolling Pennines near Penistone, just five minutes from the M1 motorway—close enough to Sheffield's amenities yet rural enough to truly unwind. Working a 40-hour, 4.5-day week with a fixed paid half-day off (in lieu of a weeknight on-call), you'll enjoy a structured schedule that actually respects your time. With a 1:8 weekend and 1:8 weeknight rota (supported by Equicall, occasionally 1:4 for inpatient cover—but rare), this is not the chaos of sole charge: you'll be supported throughout by three highly experienced equine vets, including a soft tissue surgery certificate holder with 18 years' experience.
The clinic has recently rebranded as an exclusively equine practice within IVC Evidensia's mixed brand. You'll work with modern facilities that have undergone recent refurbishment: six inpatient stables, a large barn and workup area, theatre and recovery box, lunge arena, trot-up facilities, and grass paddocks. The team performs routine surgeries with anaesthetic support, and ongoing investment means the clinic is continuously improving to deliver the best client experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide first-opinion equine veterinary care across lameness, surgery, internal medicine, and routine health checks
- Perform routine surgeries under supervision, supported by experienced anaesthetists
- Conduct clinical examinations in the workup area, lunge arena, and trot-up facilities
- Contribute to inpatient management and post-operative care
- Participate in the shared on-call rota (1:8 weekend, 1:8 weeknights)
- Engage with the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy mentorship programme and structured CPD
- Build your professional network within IVC's wider equine and mixed practice community
Requirements
- Recently qualified veterinary surgeon (graduate or near-graduate status)
- UK veterinary degree or eligible for RCVS registration
- Passion for equine medicine and a willingness to learn
- Professional communication and teamwork skills
- Flexibility and commitment to shared on-call duties
Benefits
- Salary & Growth: £36,000 per annum (pro-rata), with a salary increase in year 2
- Time Off: 6.6 weeks' holiday plus your birthday off; TOIL awarded for weekend on-call shifts (to be taken when you wish)
- Professional Development: IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy with blended learning programme, dedicated mentor, and access to CPD and research opportunities (including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund). Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)
- Wellbeing: £1,250 per year via the Care Fund; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; private medical insurance
- Pension & Security: Company pension with IVC contribution; no financial tie-in
- Perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes; retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet care at IVC practices
- Culture: Access to IVC Evidensia's global community of veterinary professionals and career opportunities across the network
About the Practice
Churchfield Equine Clinic is a dedicated 3.5 FTE equine practice based in Penistone, South Yorkshire, in the heart of the Pennines. Recently rebranded as an exclusively equine clinic within IVC Evidensia, the team comprises vets with hospital and referral-level experience: a certificate holder in soft tissue surgery (18 years' experience), a 5-year qualified vet, and a 3-year qualified vet who completed an internship. The clinic is well-equipped with modern facilities—six inpatient stables, large barn and workup area, theatre and recovery box, lunge arena, and trot-up facilities—and benefits from ongoing investment in infrastructure and service excellence. Location-wise, you're five minutes from the M1 motorway, close to Sheffield's urban amenities, yet surrounded by rural leisure: the Trans-Pennine trail, reservoirs, and hill walks are on your doorstep.
As part of IVC Evidensia (a leading veterinary group), the clinic gains access to wider professional networks, research funding, and career progression opportunities whilst maintaining its specialist equine focus and local identity. The practice is a Disability Confident Employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
