After the launch of our Flexible Working policy in May 2023, we’ve seen many colleagues take advantage of making their career more flexible, to fit around family, hobbies and other pursuits.
This has led to many vet professionals being able to build a career around their personal life, rather than the other way round.
The comprehensive flexible working policy was spearheaded by
Daniella Dos Santos, UK Director of Professional Culture. She commented:
“It’s been great to see the Flexible Working policy being utilised by our colleagues since the launch, ensuring that they feel supported in making changes to their working patterns that makes sense to them, and their wider practice team.
“I hope that the policy continues to help colleagues find the right balance and encourages them to make changes where they feel necessary in order to continue a worthwhile career.”
Case Study: Victoria Tannahill
Victoria joined
Oakham Vets in April 2023 as an Equine Surgeon but did so on the basis she could work flexibly to fit in her role in the Army Reserves, where she also works overseeing the training and management of military working dog handlers and veterinary officers.
Her career in the Army stretched back to her time at school where she joined the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), before joining Officers' Training Corps (OTC) at university. She then joined the Regular Army as a new graduate and spent five years as a Veterinary Officer (VO) in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) treating military working animals (dogs and horses) around the world, including in the UK, Germany, Afghanistan and Cyprus.
When applying for her role with Oakham she was very keen to continue her duties, where she had contributed for the past 11 years, and conveniently, Oakham were more than happy to accommodate her request.
This led to Victoria being offered the role 4 days per week, so she could use 1 day per week fulfilling her responsibilities outside of the practice where she is responsible for training an entire Squadron (100 people).
Victoria commented on her current flexible working situation and how it allows her to balance two very important sides of her life:
“Being able to balance my veterinary and military careers is important to me and promotes my overall job satisfaction across both fields.
“I am proud to serve my country; flexible working allows me to do something I am passionate about without sacrificing all my personal time, and without relegating it to the sidelines of my life. For the first time in my career, I feel I have the optimum balance to excel in both roles.”
Explore the benefits of a career at IVC Evidensia and learn more about our culture as the leading veterinary group in Europe.
Hear more about flexible working in the veterinary sector from Daniella:
Flexible Working with Daniella Dos Santos | London Vet Show 2023