At BSAVA Congress 2025, The Links Group team got chatting to our colleagues on the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices stand, and we were still chatting quite a while later!
We covered a lot of ground, from our explanation of the potential benefits to employees, teammates and clients on the uptake of the Hestia Safe Spaces initiative by veterinary professions, to non-accidental injury of pets.
The FIVP represents the interests and promotes the values of independent veterinary practices. Membership is practice based and open to all independent veterinary practices in the UK. The FIVP ethos is based on four key principles of promoting, sharing, representing and supporting independent practices.
Members of FIVP benefit from training, education and CPD resources, including their Practice Matters podcast series. With a new episode every fortnight, plus bonus episodes, this series presents bite-sized learning on a diverse range of topics, with something for everyone; such as using photography to promote the practice, practice hygiene, interviews with members of the profession, and much more.
We could listen to Ian Wolstenholme’s dulcet tones all day, but you can get an idea of what kept us talking for so long by listening to our Vice Chair Vicki Betton’s condensed version of the conversation here in episode 034 of the FIVP Practice Matters podcast series. Hosted by Ian, he and Vicki navigate this sensitive topic and the work of The Links Group in an approachable and accessible manner.
Ian introduces the episode by saying, “Abuse in any form is something we don’t often like to think of, let alone talk about, especially in a professional capacity and for members of a caring profession like veterinary, even just acknowledging that an animal’s injury may be deliberate can be incredibly challenging. Sadly, there is robust evidence that animals can also be abused in households where people are being abused.
In this episode of ‘Practice Matters’ we are joined by Vicki Betton, Vice Chair and Trustee [of the Links Group] and also Director of Global Impact at iCatCare, who explains more about the work of the charity.”
Listen to this 18-minute episode here to find out more.
The FIVP are always keen to hear from independent practice, and you can let them know about your latest projects or experiences by sending a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65.
With thanks to Ian and the FIVP team for their continued support.
