Workplace Culture and Wellbeing
Bristol Veterinary School works to create a supportive, inclusive and inspiring workplace.
The EDI committee work with colleagues across the School on workplace culture initiatives. These initiatives cover aspects such as equity, recognition, freedom of expression, friendly policies and communication. Once a year staff have the opportunity to feedback through our survey, enabling us to develop new initiatives for that academic year, which focus on creating a working environment in which staff feel cared for, valued and that they belong.
"In our staff survey 82% of respondents felt like they belong at Bristol Veterinary School."
Examples of our work in this area include creation of monthly ‘protected time’ which is a period of meeting free time for the school to enable our staff to undertake personal and professional development training. Our core school meetings are held between 10am and 4pm, to reduce the impact on staff with childcare. Many of our staff at BVS work flexibly.
The School organises a variety of social events such as Summer picnic, Easter egg Treasure Hunt, Bake off and Christmas lunch.
Mental Health Champions
Mental Health Champions are members of staff who volunteer their time and energy to raise awareness of mental health, and make it part of normal conversation.
We have two champions in BVS – Louisa Slingsby and Nicola Rooney
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing
University of Bristol Wellbeing events, social clubs and networks
At BVS we have organised a variety of wellbeing events based at Langford including wellbeing walks and wellbeing days.
More recently an allotment club was started at Langford, open to all staff and students, and is a relaxed and informal way to get to know fellow gardening enthusiasts. The club already has an impressive 76 members.
Contacts
Jody Belton – Jody.Belton@bristol.ac.uk – social secretary
Kate Allen – Kate.Allen@bristol.ac.uk – EDI co chair
Emily Blackwell – Emily.Blackwell@bristol.ac.uk – EDI co chair
Louisa Slingsby – Louisa.Slingsby@bristol.ac.uk – mental health champion
Nicola Rooney – Nicola.Rooney@bristol.ac.uk – mental health champion
Rob Knott – Rob.Knott@bristol.ac.uk – allotment club
One of my primary goals as Head of School is for staff and students to enjoy being part of Bristol Veterinary School and for it to be a place that people look forward to coming to work or study.