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Like many practice groups, Thrums Vets is always looking to create a sense of unity and to ensure that staff across all four of its practices are thriving. The team chose to undergo accreditation by Great Workplaces by BVA to help identify practical steps to take to support staff and boost retention and recruitment. Thrums was delighted when the process also led to Silver accreditation.

Why did Thrums sign-up for Great Workplaces?

Ashley Wilkie, Managing Director at Thrums, felt confident that the management team were successfully fostering a good culture at their workplaces but she wanted to better understand her team’s experience and identify areas for improvement across the four mixed animal practices in Angus and Perthshire, in Kirriemuir, Blairgowrie, Forfar and Scone.

She was particularly keen to get a 360 degree overview, offering real insight into the working lives of the 60 staff. The aim was to ensure that staff were happy in their roles but also to boost retention and further improve outcomes for clients.

She said: “When everyone in the team has what they need to do their job, satisfaction increases, retention improves and outcomes for patients get better as well. We already had processes, including a quality control team, in place to ensure clinical consistency across the practices. With Great Workplaces, we were looking for practical outcomes to ensure that we’re providing a safe and supportive working environment.”

What did Thrums get out of the experience?

Ashley describes the report as ‘a real eye-opener for all of us’, allowing the practice to really understand staff experiences and giving lots of practical steps to take to further enhance job satisfaction across the four locations. Since getting tailored feedback Thrums has introduced round-up emails with shout-outs for special achievements, introduced regular feedback outside of appraisals and are now reviewing some out of hours processes.

She said: “These practical steps have already been invaluable in creating a more joined up workplace across the four branches. I have no regrets about putting the team through this process. It’s really given us a focus on where we’re going next. It’s been very, very beneficial.”

What does it mean for recruitment and retention?

The practices were delighted to receive a Silver grading in their accreditation and are confident that it will support both retention of existing staff and future recruitment. The report especially praised Thrums positive and inclusive culture, its focus on psychological wellbeing, and its flexibility and positive approach to learning.

Ashley concluded: “I certainly know that if I was looking at job adverts, I’d pick the place with Great Workplaces accreditation over the others. For us it has been worth every penny.”

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