Veterinary Surgeon – First‑Opinion Role with Structured Workflow
Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
First‑opinion vet role with a structured working day, no OOH, 20‑minute consults, protected admin time, and access to a supportive multi‑site clinical team.
Who They Are
This is a long‑established, RCVS‑accredited small animal practice operating across multiple sites in Cardiff and the surrounding area. The practice delivers high‑quality first‑opinion care through a well‑organised clinical structure, a supportive leadership team, and modern facilities.
The hospital and branches are equipped with dedicated consulting spaces, surgical theatres, imaging capabilities, and separate dog and cat wards. The team includes a mix of experienced veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and certificate holders across several disciplines, creating a collaborative environment with strong clinical governance and consistent investment in staff development.
The practice follows a clear, structured approach to the working day, with clinical management onsite to support decision‑making, caseload allocation, and workflow.
What You’ll Do
- Provide first‑opinion consultations, medical investigations, routine surgery, and inpatient care across the hospital and branch sites.
- Work a four‑day week with a shared 1 in 5 Saturday rota, supported by protected admin time and scheduled breaks.
- Deliver 20‑minute consultations as standard, allowing time for thorough assessment and client communication.
- Collaborate with the nursing team to support overnight inpatient care, with no out‑of‑hours or bank holiday duties required.
- Communicate clearly with clients, offering evidence‑based treatment plans aligned with patient welfare and client expectations.
- Maintain accurate clinical records and follow RCVS guidelines around patient safety and clinical governance.
- Work effectively with colleagues across the hospital and branches to ensure continuity and high-quality care.
What You’ll Gain From Them
- Salary up to £60,000, dependent on experience.
- No out‑of‑hours or bank holiday work, supporting strong work–life balance.
- Clear, structured daily schedules with:
- Protected admin time
- Guaranteed breaks and lunch periods
- Organised shifts across consulting, operating, and inpatient care
- Access to a broad caseload, supporting growth in:
- Medical case management
- Surgical skills
- Diagnostic work‑ups
- Client communication
- Support from a large, experienced team including multiple vets and veterinary nurses with further qualifications.
- Career progression opportunities supported by CPD funding and a large network of experienced clinicians.
- Additional benefits include:
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro‑rata)
- £1,750 annual CPD allowance
- Paid RCVS membership and additional professional subscriptions
- Wellbeing and healthcare support schemes
- Enhanced family leave
- Staff discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Paid sickness scheme
- Annual pay reviews
- Regular colleague engagement initiatives
What They Need From You
-
RCVS Registration – eligibility to practise as a Veterinary Surgeon in the UK.
Criteria: Active or pending registration. -
Clinical Competence – ability to manage consultations, routine surgical procedures, and medical work‑ups.
Criteria: Evidence of first‑opinion case handling appropriate to your level. -
Communication Skills – ability to explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly.
Criteria: Experience supporting client decision‑making. -
Team Collaboration – ability to work effectively within a multi‑disciplinary team across multiple practice sites.
Criteria: Examples of shared case management or teamwork in a clinical setting. -
Commitment to Continuous Development – engagement in CPD and proactive skills development.
Criteria: Recent CPD or clearly defined learning objectives.
What’s Next
- Submit your CV for review.
- GVC will contact you to discuss your experience, preferred working patterns, and next steps.
- The process typically includes an initial conversation followed by a clinical interview.