SPVS
What is SPVS?
SPVS is the division of the BVA with a primary focus on matters concerning vets in practice and the practices where they work. We offer advice, practical guidance and support for partners and assistants, employers and employees, new graduates and those with years of experience, and non-vet members with an interest in the success of veterinary practice.
The Society is a not-for-profit organisation run by a Council elected by the members. We have modest administrative offices in Warwick run by our permanent full and part-time staff. The Society is financed by member subscriptions, with help from some of the events we organise and occasional support from generous sponsors. Click here to view our constitution.
- We keep our members up to date with current issues via the SPVS Journal, e-Zine and website.
- Our e-mail discussion list offers quick and confidential access to a large group of others in practice who have often already "been there and done that" and who will be happy to share their experiences or learn from you. Membership of the discussion list is free to full members and others at the discretion of Council.
- We hold educational meetings and seminars in locations throughout the UK, aimed at professional and support staff. Big discounts are often available for members. Topics are mainly non-clinical, with an emphasis on subjects relating to career and practice development. We utilise the skills of professionals from outside the profession as well as experienced veterinary surgeons with particular expertise. Our events are often designed to encourage interaction with other delegates - we believe that socialising and exchanging knowledge with colleagues from other practices is sometimes as valuable as the course content. Events such as Snowscene and SPVS Congress are highly enjoyable ways of gaining valuable CPD while getting together with other members and their partners and families.
- We have negotiated a wide range of member benefits and affiliations schemes, some of which can save your practice many times the cost of membership.
- We provide a wide range of information leaflets and booklets, many of which are free to members, on topics covering a various aspects of practice management and veterinary career issues. .
- We publish the invaluable annual SPVS Fee Survey and SPVS Salaries Survey, both free to members.
- We offer individual support to members with specific issues or queries.
- SPVS has a dedicated recent graduate support team and is the main organiser of the Lancaster Final Year Students' Seminar (preparing soon-to-qualify undergraduates for life after graduation).
- We are the voice of the practising profession, representing the interests and speaking the concerns of our members, while working alongside BVA and the species divisions to present a strong and persuasive representation of the profession to the legislators and others.