Major milestone for progressive Yorkshire veterinary group

One of Yorkshire’s most progressive veterinary groups has recruited its 300th team member following an impressive period of growth.

White Cross Vets has been caring for pets for 84 years, having first opened its doors in Yorkshire in 1937. The practice now plans to recruit a further 50 people across its 22 practices over the next 12 months.

People manager, Hannah Wilkinson, said: “The practice was originally started by one of the UK’s most pioneering female vets. Christine Woods launched in West Yorkshire after qualifying from Liverpool Veterinary School, and she was elected the first ever female president of the Yorkshire Veterinary Society. Christine and her subsequent business partners, Mary Dalby and Pam Braithwaite, would be very proud to know that of our 300 team members, 90% are women.

“Of the 50 jobs we are recruiting for, 10 of those are for graduate vets, and the others range from experienced vets and veterinary nurses to client care co-ordinators and veterinary care assistants. We have the availability to provide a graduate development programme of clinical and lecture based continuing professional development (CPD) events through our parent company, which is industry leading and a great opportunity for our graduate vets.”

Since joining IVC Evidensia, which is Europe’s largest veterinary care provider, in 2018, White Cross Vets has been able to invest more than £300,000 in a new state of the art veterinary practice. The practice offers a wide range of innovations including digital dental x-ray and ultrasound machines, an on-site laboratory and a technologically advanced surgical theatre. White Cross Vets also welcomed Balby Veterinary Centre in Doncaster into the group in 2020.

Hannah added: “Since joining IVC Evidensia three years ago, it’s been a real delight to welcome further practices into the White Cross family, and we envisage that we will continue to grow our brand and geographical presence in this way moving forward.”

Philippa Brown is the 300th team member, joining as a veterinary nurse. She said: “I joined as it struck me as a unique place to work. With an emphasis on creating the very best experience for pets and their owners and a real commitment to the wellbeing of its people, the values of compassion, kindness and first-rate veterinary treatment really appealed to me.

“It’s clear that White Cross Vets is committed to the development of its people and its local community, which was also refreshing. Its Charity Fund collects and distributes funds to needy and deserving pets and the group also provides free care to school pets and free health checks to rescued pets. You can also take five fully paid donation days off work each year to volunteer with meaningful causes, which is amazing.”