About the Role
This is a full-time senior clinical position at PDSA Derby, a modern, well-equipped charity hospital serving pets and families in financial hardship. You'll work a standard 37.5-hour week without out-of-hours on-call commitment, allowing you to maintain strong work-life balance while taking on meaningful clinical leadership.
You'll encounter diverse medical and surgical cases, from routine consultations to complex diagnostic workups. Your role involves clinical confidence, mentoring junior colleagues, supporting with case discussions and second opinions, and building trusting relationships with clients. You'll be visible in the team, coaching others, embedding high standards and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide first-opinion small animal veterinary care across a range of medical and surgical cases
- Lead on clinical cases with sound judgement and pragmatic decision-making
- Support colleagues with clinical advice and second opinions
- Coach and mentor veterinary team members, sharing knowledge and experience
- Discuss evidence-based treatment options with clients and explain clinical plans clearly
- Contribute to maintaining high clinical standards and good governance
- Participate in continuous improvement and new ways of working
- Champion PDSA's mission and values across the team
Requirements
- MRCVS registration or equivalent RCVS-recognised qualification
- Proven experience as a veterinary surgeon with strong clinical confidence
- Excellent communication skills with both clients and colleagues
- Ability to lead cases and manage complex clinical scenarios
- Collaborative approach with enthusiasm for mentoring and team development
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Salary: £67,530 to £80,000 per annum (including allowances)
- CPD allowance: one week's time plus £1,000 per year
- Full RCVS fees paid by PDSA
- Extensive internal CPD programmes with discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show
- 25 days' holiday per year plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell up to five additional days
- Three paid special days off annually: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- Relocation support available
- Pension scheme with PDSA contributions rising from 5% to 10%
- Life assurance providing four times annual salary
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and private medical cover
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance and access to staff veterinary services
- Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts via Fetch benefits platform
About the Practice
PDSA is a leading UK charity providing veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship. Derby is a modern, collaborative hospital with separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and comprehensive orthopaedic equipment. The team has varied clinical interests, fostering a culture of shared learning and case discussion.
PDSA is undergoing ambitious expansion to reach more people and pets. The organisation values diversity, inclusion and a supportive workplace where all team members can bring their individuality and passion to work.
