Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Lead Vet role at Abivale Vets, Oxfordshire The role will be based at the Wallingford site Up to £70,000 (DOE) Abivale Vets, part of the Inspire Vet Care network, is recruiting! IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career. How You’ll Make a Difference As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you will be the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision-making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working.

• You'll undertake the general day to day running of the branch, and be responsible for providing excellent client care and enjoy taking ownership of their surgery with the support of our friendly team. This role would be a sole charge position, so you'll need to be happy working under those conditions. Flexibility with hours The full-time rota includes working an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend shifts - working 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday every 7 weeks. Bank holidays are on a rota basis. There's no out of hours or on call required in this role. We can also consider part time applicants, too! About Abivale Our group is made up of four surgeries in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. Abivale is a group of practices set in a beautiful part of South Oxfordshire, surrounded by local amenities, and everything that Oxfordshire has to offer, including good links to Oxford and London whilst still being close to the countryside. We have our own dedicated out of hours service and all our sites are RCVS accredited, and have an excellent range of equipment. One of our biggest strengths is our fantastic team of clinicians and support staff. You Might Be a Great Fit If... You are a highly experienced veterinary surgeon with strong clinical expertise and a passion for leadership and clinical excellence. You’ll bring:
• A Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, with advanced surgical and medical capability
• Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
• The ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations
• Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care How We’ll Support You At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
• Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement What We Offer Our Team
• 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
• BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets \n

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