How Chapelfield Vets became a 2026 Wellbeing Award winner

When we were announced as the Large Practice Wellbeing Award winners, my first feeling was pride in the team. Nobody at Chapelfield does this work for an award. We do it because veterinary medicine is demanding, and people can only give their best when they feel supported.

For us, wellbeing starts with how we treat each other day to day. We don't work in silos; receptionists, nurses and vets work closely together, and we genuinely look out for one another. If someone's having a bad day, the instinct here is to lift them up, not push them down. We're not perfect, but we're happy to admit mistakes and learn from them, which is why we introduced VetSafe error reporting on a genuine no-blame basis.

People feel safe enough here to talk about personal or work struggles, and as managers we try to make the work fit the person rather than force everyone into the same mould. If someone thrives on consults, we make space for more consults; if surgery's their thing, we build on that. Clients notice the atmosphere too, even on the hard days.

Winning gave us a moment to recognise what the whole team has built together. It's genuinely the best practice I've worked in, and I'm proud to lead the clinical team here in Norwich.

If you work somewhere that does this well, or have a colleague who quietly keeps everyone going, nominate them. It's a way of saying "we see you," and it shows others what a good workplace looks like.

Put someone forward for 2027 — it will mean more than you think.

Would you like to nominate your workplace for a Wellbeing Award 2027?

Find out more about the award, or go straight to the nomination form.