A bonus edition of the podcast looking at the 2024 BVNA Congress theme about 'progression', in which Ian Wolstenholme talks with KIRSTY GWYNNE about exciting developments on the Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) role in practice, JILL MACDONALD provides some insight into the VN Vision research, BEN MYRING the RCVS Policy and Public Affairs Manager explains how vet nursing statutory regulation is undergoing changes...over time! PAM MOSEDALE from RCVS Knowledge tells us about QI (no, not TV's comedy panel quiz) but Quality Improvement and how practices can learn from mistakes.

In the episode vet and entrepreneur DR KATIE FORD returns to chat about how practices can refresh that most important of client and clinic communication tools - social media. Which platforms work and what should you be featuring?

Katie provides some thought-provoking hints and tips about what works plus the protocols and policies that practices might need to maximise the effectiveness of the various SM platforms.

In this episode we chat with the President of BVA - Dr ANNA JUDSON - about the launch of their Great Workplaces Accreditation that helps to build a thriving workforce by recognising and rewarding positive workplace culture in both clinical and non-clinical veterinary workplaces.

We also speak with GARY KELLY from Warren House Veterinary Centre about their recent success of being awarded UK Vets of the Year.

In this bonus edition, Ian Wolstenholme visits the recent BVA Live event at the NEC in Birmingham and chats with

• VICKY and ALAN ROBINSON from Vet Dynamics
• MICHAEL LAZARIS from Vets on the Common
• RACHEL SIMMONDS from Edhen Vets
• CHLOE from Vet Yogi
• HELEN SILVER-McMAHON from Being Human
• MALCOLM MORLEY from BVA

In this episode LYNDSAY HUGHES celebrates the way in which veterinary nurses, student nurses and others in the vital clinical support teams are contributing to her BVNA presidential year theme of progression and encourages nurses to complete the VN profession survey which can be found here VN Profession Survey (bvna.org.uk)

In this episode LISA EARDLEY, Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Manager in Manchester talks about the latest initiatives of the Dogs Trust, including the National Dog Survey and Dog Friendly Vet Clinics. You can complete the survey here: National Dog Survey: UK's Largest Dog Survey | Dogs Trust

In this episode KAT CHASE, Client and Marketing Manager of House and Jackson Veterinary Hospital chats with Ian Wolstenholme about their recent success as the Pet Plan Practice of the Year and how they have celebrated the win.

For more details visit https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards/

FIVP: Practice Matters is a new bi-weekly podcast designed to foster collaboration, spark insightful discussions and celebrate the ingenuity thriving within independent veterinary practices. With episodes set for a 10-minute format, it’s the perfect companion for a walk with your dog or on the commute to work.

Practice Matters is set to amplify the voices and experiences of those on the front line of veterinary care, within independent practice. Each episode promises to provide conversations with an array of guests from the veterinary world and beyond, delving into topics that will resonate with the whole veterinary team. From the latest technology and equipment to thought-provoking debates on industry trends, no stone will be left unturned.

We also want to hear from you! The podcast extends an open invitation for our members to share their unique perspectives and innovations. Have you implemented a new protocol that has changed your practice? Or perhaps a member of staff has introduced a game-changing idea or become a huge support to members of the team? Practice Matters wants to hear about it and celebrate the brilliance within your practice.

You can send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836 865

At its core, Practice Matters aims to be more than just a source of information; it strives to be a unifying force within the independent veterinary community.

So mark your calendars and tune in as FIVP: Practice Matters launches on Tuesday 4th June!

In this episode Ian Wolstenholme talks with guest STEVE HOWARD, Head of Clinical Services at PDSA and Secretary General of RUMA CA&E, about this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

Now in its third year, the initiative once again takes place throughout November, and provides an opportunity for clients to return unwanted antibiotics to practices and learn more about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the responsible use of antibiotics. The World Health Organisation has classified AMR as one of the Top 10 threats for global health.

Steve explains how companion animal and equine practices can make the most of the opportunities to convey key messages to clients in many ways. You can find out more about the campaign and access valuable tools and resources at www.rumacae.org.uk and sign up to this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

It's a welcome return to the podcast to DR ERNIE WARD - America's Pet Advocate, author, broadcaster, worldwide speaker and journalist.

Ernie Ward graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and has spent his career blending healthy lifestyles and medicine. He is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and is internationally known for improving veterinary medical standards, creating a higher quality of life for animals, and promoting healthier habits for people and pets. Dr. Ward has been a leader in the area of pet nutrition and weight loss, establishing diagnostic test protocols and evolving pet technologies, promoting the special needs of senior dogs and cats, and advancing veterinary practice standards and veterinary staff training. Ahead of the 2024 World Pet Obesity Week (7th to 13th October), Ian Wolstenholme chats with Ernie about pet obesity as a clinical disease.

Here in the UK, you can contribute to research/data and more information (as well as useful information for the practice) by visiting - www.worldpetobesity.org

A recently published study in Vet Times by Dr Neil Forbes BVetMed, DECZM, FRCVS, demonstrates that now is the time to take the subject of veterinary practice hygiene very seriously, if we want to avoid "the silent pandemic".

In this bonus edition of Practice Matters, Ian Wolstenholme is joined by the author, who is a Trustee of the Bella Moss Foundation, to look at how practices of every size can do to really 'up their game'.

As ever, if you have any comments or observations on the topic covered, we'd love to hear from you! Send us a voice note to 07709 836865 or comment on the page.

In this episode, Ian Wolstenholme catches up with FIVP member JOHN TAYLOR from new independent practice Taylor Vets of Brackley in Northamptonshire.

Why the title "Independent 2.0"? Well, John is one of those raft of veterinarians who set up a practice soon after qualifying, later sold it, but then realised that the whole experience provided him with a second opportunity to show the true value of the community-focused independent practice.

John shares some of the highlights from his journey....

No, we're not analysing canine treats (maybe a thought for another pod) but looking at the significance of the good old telephone in independent practice. Who else better to provide some "tell it as it is" food for thought, backed up with latest data, than the founder of Onswitch - ALISON LAMBERT.

A Yorkshire farmer’s daughter, Alison qualified from Liverpool University in 1989. She worked in practice for several years before pursuing a career with Hills Pet Nutrition and MARS, discovering the customer experience passion that her award-winning company, Onswitch, is renowned for today. Established in 2001, the business promotes customer-centred practice so pets, horses and livestock receive better care; providing research, marketing, CPD and business consultancy with an effective, innovative, straight-talking and client-led approach.
Alison is published widely, regularly speaks at key international veterinary congresses and events, and was given the AVA’s Veterinary Business Thought Leader award in 2019 and the RCVS Impact award in 2021.

In these challenging times in veterinary practice with investigations, client expectations and so on, how easy or difficult is it to maintain a healthy practice culture? Come to that, what IS practice culture?

Ian Wolstenholme chats with DR DAVE NICOL who has been a vet for more than 25 years and headed up two multi-doctor teams on two continents. He's an author, broadcaster and currently runs Roundwood Pet Hospice in central London.

Dave has been twice voted VMX Speaker of the Year.

Listen up - it's going to be a good one....

In this edition Ian chats with America's pet advocate, author and industry leader (as well as ironman triathlete!) DR ERNIE WARD about how our veterinary colleagues across the 'pond have tackled similar issues to that of the current CMA investigation in the UK. How has it impacted on U.S. veterinary teams and what we learn from their experiences?

In this episode Ian Wolstenholme talks with vet and entrepreneur KATIE FORD about how practices might like to consider collaborating with their local radio station to broadcast pet healthcare information and reach new audiences as part of their strategic marketing.

To find out about your local community broadcaster visit http://static.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/html/radio-stations/community/community-main.htm

We welcome back Onswitch CEO ALISON LAMBERT who has spent the past two decades in the veterinary consumer marketplace.

So what, in 2024, is "the client experience"? What are the consequences if its ignored? What are the benefits of getting it "spot on"?

This episode is packed full of practical advice - enjoy!

It's a slightly extended edition this time as we meet three guests who all have an interest in educating and supporting pet carers and veterinary professionals in the prevention and treatment of resistant bacteria.

Jill Moss is the founder of the charity The Bella Moss Foundation and joining her are two of the charity’s trustees – Mike Brampton - author, managing director, lecturer, entrepreneur, podcast host and qualified Arctic guide and seafarer. Mike has been in and around both the medical and veterinary healthcare industries since 1980, working in a range of roles but mainly centred around the operating theatre and anaesthesia.

Dr Neil Forbes appeared on Practice Matters a couple of months ago and must accept responsibility for the incredible but unsurprising interest in his episode which dealt with practice hygiene.  Neil’s accolades in the industry are far too numerous to list to the extent where he has received multiple UK and international awards, he has published over 86 scientific peer reviewed papers, contributed to 38 books and lectured internationally for over 30 years particularly on infection control and was instrumental in setting up the BVNA Infection Control Training course.

In this edition we celebrate the launch of a new exotics clinic right next door to a zoo and also look at diversity and inclusivity in practice.

Our guests are DR KEVIN EATWELL, the UK's only triple-boarded exotics specialist and his nurse colleague at Fife Exotic Vets, ERIKA FEILBERG RVN.

Take a listen - truly a diverse episode.

In this episode we catch up with a member practice - Westport Veterinary Clinic in Edinburgh and their Clinic Manager FIONA LEATHERS RVN. As one of the participants in the pilot scheme of the BVA Great Workplaces Scheme, Fiona runs through the accreditation process to hopefully tempt more practices to join. We also touch on the area of 'Fear-Free' veterinary practice. Ten years after it was launched at an overseas conference, what has been the impact here in the UK? Again, Fiona tells Practice Matters listeners about her experiences.

At the recent London Vet Show STEVE CARTER from Priory Veterinary Surgeons in Reigate conducted an experiment on the FIVP stand - 'Two Chairs and a Sign' , the objective of which was to discuss practice ownership in an open and frank way. Steve joins us on the line to reveal all!

As this is the final edition of the podcast for 2024, may we wish all our members and colleagues a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. 2025 may well be a year of challenge for the profession but rest assured, we'll be right there to support the interests of independent practice.

What does the word 'sustainability' mean to your practice? In this edition, we welcome back Onswitch founder ALISON LAMBERT to discuss what a sustainable practice should be considering, as we progress through a forthcoming year of changes in the veterinary space.

In this episode vet and entrepreneur DR KATIE FORD turns our attention to personal finances amongst vet teams. Why is it taboo? How can finances affect your career journey? Lots of practical advice can be found at https://vetyou.co.uk

Don't forget you can sent us a voice message to 07709 836 865 - we would love to hear from your practice about this or any other subject.

The theme of the recent SPVS (Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons) 2025 Congress was 'Connect, Collaborate and Progress' and this edition of FIVP Practice Matters turns the spotlight on our large animal practice colleagues. We catch up with DR OWEN ATKINSON, owner of Dairy Veterinary Consultancy and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production who takes us on a journey of change from Vet 1.0 to 3.0.

The difficult issue of debt in the veterinary sector is discussed with director of DSL (Debtsolve) MIKE BROOKS who has a wake-up call as to how even the smallest of unpaid accounts can seriously damage your business.

Check out this useful calculator to see what he means!

In this episode vet and entrepreneur DR KATIE FORD explains coaching and mentoring and how it can be a major asset to the whole practice team.

We also meet executive coach MYLES DOWNEY. Will he be able to convince you that YOU are a genius?

For more information visit https://www.vetempowered.com

We return to SPVS Congress 2025 for this latest edition of the podcast and find out about Employee Owned Trusts with two practices who have approached things from different angles. Heart Vets Cardiology Referrals' DAVE DICKSON and JOANNE HARRIS, together with Pennard Vets' CEO MATT FLANN help to de-mystify this growth area.

Guide to Employee Owned Trusts

With the increase in new independent startup businesses, TRACEY MORBEY and STUART JEEVES from PetPlan explain how the provision of pet insurance arrangement for a new practice can sometimes be a last minute scramble and some of the things to consider in its implementation in the new business.

As ever, we would love to hear your comments, so please send us a Voice Note or message to 07709 83 68 65 about what you are doing in your practice.

With client communication figuring large on the list of likely 'remedies' by the CMA, this edition of Practice Matters looks at some of the digital tools which many independent practices are utilising. We catch up with VETS DIGITAL, VIDIVET and PETS APP for their top-tips around social and website media, telehealth and online booking services.

We'd love to hear about how inventive your business is being to make things as effective on the comms front for clients. Send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

A sort of tale of two 'VUK's' in this episode of Practice Matters as we firstly get a snapshot of VUK (Verbund UnabhängigerKleintierkliniken) in Germany - a similar organisation to FIVP which supports independent vet practices there. We chat with EBERHARD HOCK and OLIVER VOLIN about the impact that corporate attention is making to the many small clinics there.

We also meet Vetlife UK ambassador OSCAR SINFIELD who tells us about his next mammoth cycling fundraiser for the charity and how your practice can become involved

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/tour-de-vet-school-2025/

https://www.justgiving.com/page/tour-de-vet-school?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

As always, if you have a story to share about what's happening in YOUR practice, why not send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65.

In this edition we mark that which, by her own admission, is the pinnacle of FIVP Chair RITA DINGWALL'S long and distinguished career in veterinary practice management.

Rita was presented with Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at the RCVS College Day in Westminster on 4th July 2025 and Practice Matters was there to talk with Rita about how the role of a practice manager has developed since she started as a practice secretary more than three decades ago!

We hear from some of Rita's friends and colleagues, all of whom send heartfelt and sincere congratulations on this very special recognition by the College.

A ever, we would love to hear your stories from practice life. Why not send us a Voice Note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65.

Please note this episode contains discussions of abuse and animal abuse.

Abuse in any form is something we don’t often like to think of, let alone talk about, especially in a professional capacity and for members of a caring profession like veterinary, even just acknowledging that an animal’s injury may be deliberate can be incredibly challenging.  Sadly, there is robust evidence that animals can also be abused in households where people are being abused.

On this episode of ‘Practice Matters’ we are joined by VICKI BETTON, Vice Chair and Trustee and also Director of Global Impact at iCatCare, who explains more about the work of the charity.

For more information please visit:

Links_Group_Brochure_7_2024.pdf

As always, we would love to hear from your practice. Why not let us know about your latest projects or experiences by sending a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode we meet HELEN SPIEGL from Helen Spiegl Photography who talks about the important considerations when it comes to practice imagery.

As a former veterinary nurse and having worked in veterinary sales, Helen is well placed to know what makes pets and owners tick and has won several prestigious awards for her photographs of 'all creatures great and small'.

Is your practice website sending the right impressions to clients and visitors? When is a selfie simply unacceptable?

Some fascinating insights into a works behind the lens.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice about this, or any other topic where 'practice matters'. Send us a Voice Note on WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode of the podcast in which Ian Wolstenholme talks with FIGEN MURRAY OBE. Figen lost her son Martyn Hett in the 2017 bombing atrocity at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester. Since the tragedy Figen has been a prolific campaigner for events venues and businesses of all sizes to be aware of potential threats to life and how to act in those unexpected situations. She has contributed to hundreds of TV, radio and podcasts over the past 7 years and her personal journey (and that of Martyn's) recounted in many articles.

Why is this one different?

Put simply, when an invitation arrives to attend a free counter-terrorism training event in Manchester, it seems quite sensible to share the information with our veterinary colleagues. But - couple that with the (unexpected) story of a British Blue shorthair cat and the human-animal bond and we hope, that which potentially could be a very 'dry' practice and team security message, will make listeners really sit up and take notice.

The FREE online training which is referred to in this edition can be found here:

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/good-security-practice

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice on this, or any other subject.  Send a voice note or message to 07709 83 68 65.

Our guest on Practice Matters is ASHA CLEARWATER - a content coach, publisher and journalist - but perhaps known within the realms of the annual National Pet Month (NPM) as the friendly host behind the many 'NPM Live' online events.

As the 2025 ends (although as you'll hear, the initiative, in truth, runs year-round) we catch up with Asha to learn about what makes the veterinary sector's longest-running campaign of its type, successful.

As ever, we'd love to hear from your practice! Send us a Voice Note via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

The Animal Cancer Trust, founded in 2002, provides vital support to both pet owners and the veterinary team. In this episode we meet the CEO, DR VICKI ADAMS and one of the many volunteers at the charity, JOE FLANAGAN, and learn about their valuable work.

For more information visit:

https://www.animalcancertrustcharity.co.uk/

An opportunity at BSAVA Congress and Expo 2025 to catch up with JACK PEPLOE from Veterinary IT Services, following the launch of a brand new CPD stream this year, looking at how practices can improve their day-to-day efficiencies in many different ways.

Plus - how secure are your practice data systems? Jack (who is also a certified ethical hacker) offers up some advice.

Thoughts and comments? As ever, we would love to hear from your practice - send us a voice note to 07709 83 68 65

In this episode of 'Practice Matters' we feature FIVP practice Catmose Vets based in Rutland, the second smallest historic ceremonial county after the City of London. Just over a year ago, vet owner VICTOR ORTIZ escaped the corporate world to set up his own practice team. Was it the right decision?

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Just ahead of their milestone 60th Anniversary congress celebrations, this edition of Practice Matters provides an opportunity to meet new incoming BVNA president SARAH HOLLIDAY. 

At an important moment for the association, we learn more about just what their diamond jubilee year theme of ‘Progression for veterinary nurses’ means and hear about some of the barriers (plus successes) that our nursing colleagues face, in trying to progress their role and responsibilities.

As ever we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

A vital part of the team, the responsibilities of the veterinary receptionist have changed significantly over time. In many practices, they are the glue holding the team together. They are the welcoming voice on the phone, the calm mind behind a hectic schedule, the reliable support with everyday admin – and so much more...

 

Indispensable? Well, from experience, you certainly know when they are on holiday or absent!

 

With Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day (1 October) on the horizon, we chat with BVRA Business Executive DANNI POOLE and BVRA Council member RACHAEL PARKIN about the changing role of the veterinary receptionist.

 

How do you celebrate the veterinary receptionists in your team?

 

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

What’s the connection between the man who invented the smartphone-controlled pedestrian crossing, guide dogs and making vet (and other venues) visits more accessible for disabled people?  The answer is Gavin Neate who joins us on this episode of Practice Matters and chats about his passion for seeing everyone as equal through an equitable lensand putting in place the methods that make this possible.

As always, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is Dr Sanjay Mangabhai, a vet for 35 years and owner of Warm Embrace – one of our valued FIVP member practices which specialises in end-of-life pet care and euthanasia in the home.

Sanjay explains why he chose to focus on end-of-life care, the support and training his team requires, and the considerations he makes for a pet owner preparing to say a final goodbye to their beloved pet. He explores the decisions that clients may face during this difficult time and discusses how practices can make pet euthanasia a more respectful experience for pets and their owners.

For more information about CAETA visit https://caetainternational.com

As ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

One of the many reasons for these FIVP Practice Matters podcasts is to shine a light on member practices. On this edition we catch up again with GARY KELLY from Warren House in the Midlands and hear about their new referral service - Vetemis - which offers a range of laparoscopic services which independent first-opinion clinics can access.

As ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Inevitably, no matter how things may run in general practice, from time-to-time there will be issues around price, service or treatment etc., and can, with a little in-house mediation, be resolved most of the time. But...if there's an impasse, what happens next?

JENNIE JONES, Head of the VCMS, joins Ian Wolstenholme for an overview of their services and how their independent impartial advice can help smooth troubled waters.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Do send us a Voice Message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Welcome to this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, where we explore how independent veterinary practices can build strong, effective partnerships with Cats Protection. As the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection offers vital support in rehoming, neutering, and education. By working collaboratively, practices can enhance care for stray and unwanted cats, streamline referral processes, and contribute meaningfully to community welfare. We’ll discuss practical strategies, shared goals, and how to align clinical services with charitable initiatives to improve outcomes for cats and clients alike. Whether you're new to working with Cats Protection or looking to strengthen ties, this episode is for you.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

In this episode, we welcome HELEN BALLANTYNE RVN, VN —keynote speaker at the 2025 BVNA Congress. Helen’s powerful address explored the concept of One Health, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. With her dual qualification in medical and veterinary nursing, she challenged delegates to embrace leadership and progression without relying on buzzwords, instead focusing on meaningful collaboration and advocacy. Her insights resonated deeply with veterinary professionals, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Helen shares her vision for a future where veterinary nurses are central to global health conversations.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is JustinPhillips, the founder and director of Practice Made Purrfect, aveterinary marketing and business consultancy dedicated to helping practices across the UK and Ireland thrive through smarter strategy, clearer communication, and better client engagement. With over 20 years’ experience in veterinary marketing including roles growing independent practices and leading marketing for more than 350 clinics, Justin brings a practical, evidence-based approach to every challenge.

A true advocate for pet health plans, Justin is “evangelistic” about their value for practices, clients and patients alike. Heargues that thoughtfully designed plans are essential for modern practice growth, improving efficiency, profitability, and clinical impact. He emphasises that good plans should be simple, aligned with what pets and owners actually need, and structured to remove barriers to care — all while fostering regular engagement and strengthening the bond between practices and pet owners.

You can find more information at: https://www.practicemadepurrfect.com/services/supercharge-your-pet-health-plan

To hear our episode musical outro from VetChoir UK, visit: www.facebook.com/vetchoiruk or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Z6IrzKP4A

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a Voice Note or message to 07709 836865

At FIVP, we’re lucky to meet countless vet students through careers fairs across the UK, giving us real insight into their EMS experiences and what they truly need as they prepare for life in practice. We’re currently working with the Edinburgh Dick Vet and the RVC on an upcoming forum exploring how independent practices can better support new graduates.

Our guest on this edition is someone who understands this landscape inside out. Anna Pill, author of the brilliantly witty blog Getting New Grads to Swipe Right, joins us to unpack what vet students are really looking for.

It's all about the vibe....

FIVP Practice Matters dives into the issues shaping the future of veterinary practice, and in this first episode of the new series, we explore one of the most significant developments facing the profession today. We are joined by Dr David Reader and Dr Scott Summers, who have used the CMA investigation into veterinary household pets as a central focus of their research.

Together, they unpack what prompted their investigation (which actually started before the CMA launched its own), what the CMA is seeking to understand, and why this scrutiny matters for practices, clients, and the wider veterinary sector. Drawing on their research, David and Scott offer clear insight into themes such as transparency, pricing, consumer trust, and how regulatory attention may influence day-to-day clinical and business decisions.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine evidence, context, and potential implications, helping listeners make sense of a complex and evolving landscape.

You can read Dr Reader and Dr Summers’ full findings here. Don’t forget you can read FIVP’s full response to the CMA and our Impact Assessment on the FIVP website.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Our guest on this edition is Mark Ware, the voice behind the Not A Vet Podcast – a refreshingly honest, no-nonsense show exploring life in and around the veterinary world. Mark isn’t a vet, but he brings a unique outsider’s perspective, asking the questions others don’t and highlighting the real stories behind the profession. From mental health and career pressures to the lighter side of animal care, his podcast mixes insight, humour, and authenticity. With engaging conversations and relatable experiences, Not A Vet Podcast has built a strong community around openness, support, and understanding what it really means to work with animals from someone who has been a well-known industry figure for more than a quarter of a century.

A ever, we'd love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

They've been part of veterinary medicines legislation since 2005, yet the three letters SQP are still not as widely recognised as they perhaps should be. That's about to change.

For the very first time, the profession is marking a dedicatedNational SQP Week, running from 5th to 12th June 2026 — a landmark moment for a qualification that has quietly underpinned the safe distribution of veterinary medicines for decades. In this episode of Practice Matters, we're joined by CAROLINE JOHNSON, Director of Vetpol, to explore what National SQP Week means for the profession, how to get involved, and why this milestone is long overdue.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice.  Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

For more information about National SQP Week, visit https://vetpol.uk/vetpol-sqp-why-choose-us/national-sqp-week-5-12-june-2026/

When a critical patient arrives and every second counts, access to blood products can mean the difference between life and death. But what does it actually take to keep thoselifesaving supplies available around the clock? In this episode of Practice Matters, we're joined by LARA HOWE, Clinical Supervisor and Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Blood Bank UK — the country's leading canine blood bank charity and the animal equivalent of the NHS blood service. From donor eligibility and blood typing to the journey of a single unit from donation session to emergency ward, we're exploring everything veterinary teams need to know about canine blood transfusion.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

For more information about the Pet Blood Bank UK charity, visit

https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/

With 61% of the veterinary profession now female, personal safety has never been more relevant — yet it remains one of the most overlooked conversations in the industry. 

In this episode, Ian Wolstenholme speaks with JESSICA JONES, founder of Amazonia School of Self Protection, about what it truly means to protect yourself in a caring profession. 

From lone working and aggressive clients to boundary-setting and post-incident recovery, Jessica shares practical strategies and powerful mindset shifts for female vets and vet nurses navigating real-world risk. 

Because a profession that gives so much to others must also equip its people to stay safe.

As ever we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

https://www.facebook.com/AmazoniaSOSP/