Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Lead Vet – Blackburn – Permanent

Animal Trust is a bit different from other vets. For a start, we’re a Community Interest Company – the only veterinary CIC in the UK to date. We’re not about maximising profits; we’re here to do the best we can to deliver on our mission and make enough profit to remain sustainable as a business in the long term. Oh, and did we mention that we recently achieved B Corp status? We’re one of the first vets in Europe – and the largest veterinary group in the world – to be B Corp certified.

Our vision is that no pet goes untreated or faces euthanasia for a condition that has a good treatment option. We believe having a pet is something that all people should be able to enjoy, but people earning the Real Living Wage sometimes struggle to afford veterinary care when their pet gets sick. Our free consults and straightforward pricing enable our vets and nurses to break down the barriers that stand in the way of pets receiving the treatment they need. Already providing care to nearly 100,000 pets every year, we are one of the fastest-growing veterinary organisations in the country. We’re one community and we’re here for our patients, clients and each other. That’s the Animal Trust way of doing things.

About Animal Trust Blackburn

Where to start?

Our surgery is right in the heart of the Blackburn community. It’s close to the buzzing city centre and the train station, and – most importantly if you happen to be a Blackburn Rovers fan – close to the Ewood Statium. So close, in fact, that you can see it from the staff room!

If you’re not a football fan, there are stunning views of across the hills – also visible from the staff room (we’ve got big windows in our staff room!) and the beautiful Forest of Bowland (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is a short drive away if you want to escape to the countryside.

The surgery is a well-established, busy practice with a team of 8 vets, 9 nurses, 2 student nurses, 1 support staff and 7 receptionists. The reception area and consulting rooms were recently renovated, giving them a smart new look. In addition to that, we have an onsite laboratory and 3 operating theatres. Our Blackburn surgery is close to our 24/7 Bolton hospital site, which includes services such as CT scanning and 24/7 care.

Hello! Is it us you’re looking for?

THE OPPORTUNITY & REWARDS OF BEING AN ANIMAL TRUST VET

• If you believe in our social mission you’ll fit right into our friendly, determined team.
• You will be treating animals that would otherwise not receive the care they deserve.
• We see more sick animals than other vet groups, so your caseload will be varied and interesting, with the opportunity to advance your emergency and critical care skills.
• You'll have the support of the other clinical leads across our group, with regular Lead Vet meetings and management training opportunities
• The 24/7 hospital is equipped with the latest industry-standard technology to allow you to perform critical procedures, including endoscopy, advanced ultrasound and orthopaedic surgery. The Practice also offers services such as hip replacement and other advanced surgery, which our clients often travel long distances to access.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A highly experienced veterinary surgeon who wants to make a difference.
• A firm belief in our social mission – an ability to focus on the pets you save, who wouldn’t have normally been able to receive treatment, and a commitment to providing the highest possible standard of care for owners and their pets.
• You are naturally confident and enjoy the buzz of dealing with a fast-paced, busy

caseload and environment.

• You are keen to grow your technical capability and be part of a large friendly, multi-skilled team.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Competitive salary £57,700 - £67,500
• 6 weeks of holiday per year
• Private Health Care, 52 weeks Sickness Benefit and free Employee Assistance Programme
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Access to counselling support including mental health, financial and life counselling after 12 months service
• UK and International CPD funded to certificate level
• A collaborative culture, your opinions will be valued, and your voice heard
• The opportunity to progress into management positions across the group
• Varied, interesting and challenging career

“A job to restore your pride in being a Vet”
Animal Trust Veterinary Surgeon more than 3 years

“A refreshing approach to Veterinary care that allows you to utilise and develop your skills. A genuine focus on providing good quality to your patients. Clear routes for career progression.
A fast pace-which is what gives us plenty of opportunity to focus on areas of clinical interest.”

Above all, what’s important is that you’re a real team player who thrives from working in a busy surgery. Someone with a ‘can-do’ attitude who’s happy to embrace new ideas and cares passionately about making veterinary care accessible to every pet and owner who needs us.

Benefits

• Private health care, 52 weeks’ sickness benefit and free employee assistance programme – awarded after 12 months’ service
• Contributory pension scheme
• CPD funded to diploma level
• 6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• RCVS and VDS fees paid

About Animal Trust

We’re a leading provider of not-for-profit veterinary care. Founded by a team of committed, passionate vets, we work together to shape the future of veterinary medicine by providing something refreshing for clients and staff in the fast-paced changing veterinary industry.

Animal Trust is open to everyone and there are no eligibility criteria for clients to meet, meaning we see a wide range of animals and cases. Our simple pricing structure gives owners confidence and we always maintain an honest and upfront approach. We’re proud of our continued investment in our surgeries, which benefits our clients and our staff.

Animal Trust strives to be an equal opportunities employer. This means that decisions concerning recruitment, promotion, dismissal or any other aspect of employment will be based on the needs of the business and not any assumptions based on sex, race, age, disability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, married or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. This is an important commitment which all employees are expected to share.

Employees are encouraged to raise with management any discriminatory behaviour, assumptions or attitudes they encounter at work and are entitled to do so free from any reprisal providing they are acting in good faith or in the reasonable belief that they are acting in the public interest.

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: £57,700.00-£67,500.00 per year