CVS launches Vet Career Progression Framework in equine and farm General Practice
Framework includes the new role of Senior Veterinary Surgeon
A new Vet Career Progression Framework is being launched within CVS’ 21 equine and 15 farm practices, which gives formal recognition to its senior and experienced vets.
The framework offers a structured career development pathway for equine and farm general practitioners over four levels. This includes the new role of Senior Veterinary Surgeon in General Practice.
The CVS Vet Career Progression Framework gives guidance on the experience, skills and competencies which need to be demonstrated at each of its four capability levels. Level One is an entry level Graduate Vet and supported role, whilst Level Two is a Progressive Vet and Level Three is an Experienced Vet, which are both supportive roles. The new Level Four role is a Senior Veterinary Surgeon who is recognised as highly proficient and who will have a highly supportive and responsible position in practice.
The roles and responsibilities of the new CVS Equine and Farm Senior Veterinary Surgeons will be diverse, challenging and rewarding. They will set and maintain clinical standards in practice and lead clinical advancement initiatives. They will also assist Clinical and Practice Directors with regulatory compliance and maintaining professional standards. In addition, they will act as a role model - creating a positive culture, and mentoring and supporting the professional development of colleagues. Furthermore, they will support Clinical and Practice Directors with delivering and monitoring the practice’s performance.
All CVS Equine and Farm Senior Veterinary Surgeons will have a personal development plan, with a programme of training and development agreed to support each colleague. In addition, each site’s Clinical and Practice Director will ensure that their Senior Vets are provided with opportunities to support them to become more effective in their new role.
An accompanying nomination and application process has been developed for the new role of Senior Veterinary Surgeon. Potential Senior Vets will be identified by their Clinical and Practice Director at regular colleague check-ins. Applications can be made in both January and July and will be reviewed and interviewed by a panel - including the practice’s Divisional and Clinical Director.
James Kennedy, Large Animal Director at CVS said:
“A clearer career trajectory is needed for our equine and farm general practitioners. This new framework clearly outlines and roles and responsibilities each level will undertake, and offers vet colleagues a sustained and progressive development throughout their career with CVS. We feel the new Senior Veterinary Surgeon position and its accompanying rewards both recognises and harnesses the breadth of valuable skills and expertise that these very experienced veterinary colleagues bring to CVS.”
CVS new Vet Career Progression Framework aligns with relevant panel discussions at the British Equestrian Veterinary Association Congress on career progression and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' focus on General Practice vet careers, as part of its 2024/25 Veterinary Clinical Career Pathways project.
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with over 500 veterinary practices, referral centres and sites in the UK and Australia. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.