Part-time Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This part-time veterinary surgeon position spans two busy East London practices in Plaistow and Barking, offering the variety and work-life balance many vets are looking for. You'll work Tuesdays (8 hours) alongside a senior vet at Plaistow, then Thursdays and Fridays (8 and 10 hours respectively) as sole charge at Barking, building your own client base. The role includes a 1:4 Saturday rota and 1:8 Sunday rotation at the nearby Wanstead 24-hour hospital, plus one bank holiday per year and last-resort on-call duties. Wednesday hours are negotiable if you'd like to extend your week.

Both practices are well equipped: Plaistow features digital and dental x-ray, ultrasound, and is ISFM accredited with a passion for feline welfare. Barking is similarly outfitted with digital and dental x-ray to support surgical and dental cases. You'll work alongside established teams including a senior vet, part-time vet, senior RVN, RVN, and trainee nurses. Clinical support is always available through experienced head vets, with internal referrals and out-of-hours care backed by Wanstead Hospital.

Plaistow enjoys excellent transport links: Upton Park station (Circle Line) is a 10-minute walk away. Barking is equally accessible, just a 6-minute walk from Barking Overground and Circle Line station, making commuting across London straightforward.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver full GP services across both locations, including consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures
• Take sole charge at Barking, managing day-to-day clinical operations independently
• Support clinical supervision and mentoring from senior vets at Plaistow
• Utilise diagnostic imaging (digital x-ray, ultrasound, dental x-ray) for complex cases
• Manage patient records and maintain high clinical standards
• Contribute to practice operations including weekend and on-call duties as per rota
• Collaborate with nursing teams and practice management on referrals and hospitalisation cases

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a fully qualified veterinary surgeon
• Confidence in fast-paced GP branch practice
• Ability to work independently as sole charge (experience or demonstrable competence required)
• Client-focused approach with ability to build trust and manage caseload
• Bias towards surgery and dentistry desirable, particularly for the Barking role
• Cool head on challenging days and collaborative communication style
• Willingness to undertake weekend rota and on-call duties

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £40,425 to £52,920 per annum (pro rata for 29.4 average hours per week; £55,000 to £72,000 FTE equivalent)
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
• Up to £2,000 CPD budget annually plus up to 5 days paid CPD leave (pro rata)
• Private Medical Healthcare Insurance with Bupa
• Generous relocation assistance where applicable
• Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• Colleague introduction reward scheme (for referrals of vets and RVNs)
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Medical cashback plan covering routine dental, physiotherapy, optician, chiropractic, and other costs
• Professional membership fees covered
• Shopping discounts and generous colleague discounts
• 20% Petplan colleague discount

About the Practice

Goddard Veterinary Group celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 and now operates 46 branches, three hospitals, and its own nurse training college (GVNC). The group is part of the VetPartners family and is RCVS accredited. Goddard places strong emphasis on colleague wellbeing, having introduced a Colleague Forum, monthly Town Hall meetings with live Q&As to the board, and mental health first aid training for all senior managers. Wellness plans are offered to all new starters.

The Plaistow and Barking practices are located in vibrant East London neighbourhoods, near Billingsgate fish market, E Pellicci's cafe, and Columbia Road Flower Market. Both practices benefit from excellent public transport and strong community ties.