Lambert Leonard and May Pastures New

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1 Lambert Leonard and May Pastures New Lambert Leonard & May First in the field

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3 Our practice Established from scratch in November 1999, the practice has grown through a focus on farm work alone and the highest standards of service for livestock farmers. We now provide care for around one in fifty of the UK s dairy cows. Getting bigger has its challenges but from a practitioner s point of view the one in ten out-of-hours rota unlocks new levels of personal freedom. Around thirty of our team are based in the beautiful and varied rural counties halfway up the west side of the country, an area with excellent communication networks. Four international airports are within an hour and a quarter of our offices outside Whitchurch. Our vision Share in our values In delivering our vision we have identified the following key values that have assisted in the development and growth of the practice and it s people. Positivity we enjoy our work and our lives and we believe in a can-do ethos Empathy we care about the animals we work with, the clients we serve, our fellow people in the business, the community we belong to and the environment we live in Innovation we always strive to be at the forefront of our profession both in maintaining our excellent clinical work and by stretching the boundaries of what farm vets can bring to the livestock industry In common with most farm practices we feel a strong sense of obligation to make a positive contribution to our community. We are a team committed to the progression of the livestock industry through excellence in all that we do. We want to maintain a fun, friendly, happy and professional atmosphere and to be proud of our service standards and community values. Efficiency and effectiveness working efficiently and providing best value for our customers has been the bedrock of our business. We take pride in minimising waste and getting the best outcome for our efforts 3

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5 In common with most farm practices we feel a strong sense of obligation to make a positive contribution to our community. The practice frequently holds social and sporting events that raise money for local causes and we are very proud to share the opportunity to give back with our farming clients. Our farmers have been heard to say that we are not just their vets, we are their friends too. Personal development at work or away The focus and intensity of farm-only work in the areas we serve offer an unrivalled opportunity to build technical skills and knowledge. We recognise that delivering the best people for our clients means that the vet team also need to excel in communication and team working skills. We therefore place a high value in supporting those colleagues that choose to develop their personal qualities through a wider view of the world. We are always open minded and supportive of people who want to explore passions or volunteer. We frequently assist colleagues who choose to invest time in further education opportunities anywhere in the world and we are always open minded and supportive of people who want to explore passions or to volunteer and might then need to consider career breaks for this kind of personal investment. 5

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7 Take control of your work-life balance We share that sense of frustration when paperwork builds up and can begin to feel overwhelming. The practice has taken steps to help our people take back control. No clinician is involved in routine TB testing and we have a designated team, led by a vet, able to deliver focussed disease surveillance and strategic investigations in support of the clinical team. Clinicians are kept in the loop and remain fully involved in reporting and delivery of plans for control. We set aside regular time within normal working hours for every clinician to catch up with paperwork, research and study. Out of hours The biggest innovation that gives freedom back to the team is the ability to choose the number of out-of-hours duties you might wish to do. The basic rota is a simple one-in-ten with only one person working outside normal office hours (8.30 to 5.30 Monday to Friday). Vets are paid for the out of hours they do and it s easy to buy or sell duties according to your needs. There is an opportunity to earn more cash or to have total freedom regarding when you choose to work your out of hours. We recognise that happiness and fulfilment depends on having sufficient time for family and friends. A fully flexible out-of-hours system allows vets to match their own life choices to their needs. A fully flexible out-of-hours system allows vets to match their own life choices to their needs. 7

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9 Back-up, mentoring and communications We recognise that back-up is extremely important to us all for a variety of reasons at certain times. There are always vets in the team who will understand a problem from your perspective and will have had to deal with similar challenges. Technically we have several with certified further qualifications in farm disciplines but more than this, we operate an open office environment and take steps to ensure that the whole team are as approachable and available as possible. We have an excellent system of internal communications using internal networked information management tools, bulletins and mail. This can be accessed from workstations or from home and regular SMS systems are used to push reminders about calls or meetings. All permanent vets carry smartphones to enhance access to information. Clinical discussion meetings are frequent while separate management and team meetings are regular with minutes distributed to all relevant staff. We also try to make a point of ending the week in the pub where an honest and humble exchange of highs and lows often help all team members support one another. Variety and opportunity Progressive farmers and lots of cows may represent sufficient challenge for most. However we always have projects ongoing to try and enhance our service quality or efficiencies. We operate a data management company investing in technologies that mine and process farm level information and will assist our vets in delivering best advice and support for clients. We are also happy to share the burden of business and run training sessions in vet practice management for our senior team. At our practice there is always opportunity to expand your horizons. If taking ownership and control is in your plan we have assisted several colleagues in opening new farm businesses in an area they know well. We are always happy to discuss how we can help make your ideas become a reality. We operate an open office environment and take steps to ensure that the whole team are as approachable and available as possible. 9

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11 Feedback and recognition Our induction and support process throughout the first few months with us delivers regular feedback for all staff until they become established. Vets have a clinical mentor in addition to their personnel manager. We operate a specific performance evaluation and recognition process designed to help you plan your personal development and to give regular opportunity to express your own views and feelings. There is an ongoing position for more recently qualified vets who have decided that farm work will be their future. This internship position has enhanced support and no exposure to out-of-hours duties until the intern is ready to take part. Paid CPD is doubled to ten days per year for vets occupying this role in the practice. We recognise that to continue to maintain a fun, friendly, happy and professional atmosphere and to remain proud of everything we do, people are incredibly important and the key to success. They are the essence of our future. We focus on recruiting only those who share our values and are attracted to our vision. Our team believe that we have something to be proud of and which others might enjoy. If you want to get involved then get in touch. The first step will be to meet up and chat. The right tools for the job It s always hard to ensure that a farm practice stays ahead when it comes to serving our progressive farm clients. Luckily our team are constantly developing new ideas and we have lots of gadgets and IT tools that assist us. All vets have their own easiscanner and the practice maintains modern milking machine testing tools, bacterial load testing equipment and software systems to help manage information. Vets get to choose a car or van to suit their needs as we understand that the farm vet s car is also their office! All permanent vets have a fully expensed smartphone which means that information and support is always close to hand. Our induction and support process throughout the first few months with us delivers regular feedback for all staff until they become established.

12 Lambert, Leonard and May are part of UK Farm Vets Ltd. The practice is also proud to be a founder member of XL Vets. We provide veterinary care for more than one in fifty of the UK s dairy cows and are fully committed to progression of the livestock industry through excellence in all that we do. Put simply: our success depends on our people. We will always be keen to meet colleagues who can share our vision and who will help drive our future. W: E: jobs@lambertleonardmay.co.uk T: