At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional veterinary care in a supportive, independent practice.
- Company: Henley House Vet Clinic, a friendly and collaborative small animal practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and professional development support.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with a sociable team and beautiful surroundings.
- Why this job: Enjoy clinical freedom and make a real difference in a positive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in small animal practice and a passion for patient care.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 70000 £ per year.
Looking for the clinical freedom of independent practice, with the time, facilities and support to do your best work? Henley House Vet Clinic is a proudly independent 6-vet small animal practice based in Uckfield, East Sussex, with a second branch in Heathfield. We firmly believe that exceptional veterinary care starts with creating an exceptional place to work. We work hard to ensure our vets, RVNs and support teams enjoy not only excellent facilities and equipment, but also a genuine work-life balance and a culture built on kindness, collaboration and mutual respect.
We’re now looking for a Veterinary Surgeon with some experience in small animal practice to join our close-knit team, based predominantly at our Uckfield clinic with occasional cover at Heathfield. If you enjoy working cases up properly, value being part of a supportive team and share our commitment to doing what’s right for our patients, clients and each other, we’d love to hear from you.
About Henley House
Our veterinary team brings together a wealth of experience across small animal general practice, emergency care and surgery, with clinical interests including soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology and orthopaedics. That experience is backed by a fantastic nursing and support team, creating an environment where there’s always someone to discuss a case with, share ideas or lend a hand when the day gets busy. And when people enjoy coming to work, it shows.
As one of our vets puts it: “I have worked in many practices before taking a permanent position at Henley House, and it really is a great place to work! Friendly, positive, supportive team, and a really good work-life balance. Working for a well-run independent practice is fantastic as you are appreciated more, have more autonomy and great job satisfaction.”
Facilities and future plans
Our Grade II listed Uckfield clinic has been extensively developed, including a purpose-built extension with two operating theatres, separate cat and dog wards, a full in-house IDEXX laboratory and a spacious staff room. Our facilities also include DR and dental radiography, endoscopy, K-Laser therapy and high-quality ultrasound at both clinics. We continue to invest in the practice to give our team what they need to deliver excellent patient care. We’ve also future-proofed our Uckfield clinic with space for a CT scanner, which we hope will form part of the next stage of our development.
Being independent means decisions are made within the practice. If there’s equipment, training or an idea that could help us provide even better care, we’re always happy to have the conversation.
The role
This is a varied first-opinion role for someone who enjoys the breadth of general practice and wants the freedom to continue developing their own clinical interests. We’ve recently welcomed a new graduate to the team, so this could also be a great opportunity for someone who enjoys sharing their knowledge and supporting a less experienced colleague. There’s no expectation for you to take on a formal mentoring role, but if it’s something you enjoy, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Our surgical services are continuing to develop too, with our newest Veterinary Surgeon, Henry, leading an expansion that includes TPLO and BOAS procedures, alongside additional soft tissue and orthopaedic support. With surgery well supported, we’d particularly love to hear from someone with an interest in internal medicine and/or diagnostic imaging who could bring another dimension to the team. Whether you already have experience in these areas or would like to develop your skills further, we’d be keen to support you.
The rota
This is a full-time position based mainly at our Uckfield clinic, with occasional cover at our single-vet branch in Heathfield. We know there’s more to life than work, which is why we’ve designed our rota to give our team time to enjoy life away from veterinary medicine. Our vets work:
- A 4-day week, 8.30am–7.00pm
- 1 in 5 (maximum) Saturday mornings, 8.30am–12.00pm
- No Sundays
- No routine out-of-hours
- Out-of-hours provided by Vets Now in Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne
What we offer
- Salary of £45,000 - £70,000, depending on experience
- Five weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Your birthday off
- Royal London company pension after three months
- Bupa private medical cover after six months
- Support to develop your clinical interests
- Excellent facilities with continued investment planned
- The autonomy and flexibility of a genuinely independent practice
Life outside work
Uckfield offers a lovely balance between countryside living and easy access to the coast, city and beyond. Ashdown Forest, the South Downs National Park and the famous Hundred Acre Wood are all on your doorstep, while Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Gatwick Airport can be reached within around 45 minutes. London is just over an hour away. We’re a sociable team too, whether that’s a countryside dog walk, a meal out, cinema trip or something a little more adventurous.
Could Henley House be your next move? If you’re looking for an independent practice where you can enjoy the variety of being a GP vet, have experienced colleagues around you and still have the autonomy to practise in your own way, we’d love to hear from you. Come and meet the team, have a look around and discover what your next chapter at Henley House could look like.
Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Uckfield employer: Henley House Veterinary Clinic
Henley House Vet Clinic is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its veterinary team. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, a supportive culture, and excellent facilities, our independent practice in Uckfield offers the autonomy to develop your clinical interests while being part of a close-knit team. Enjoy the benefits of a competitive salary, generous leave, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful location with easy access to both countryside and city life.
Contact Details:
Henley House Veterinary Clinic Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Uckfield
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Henley House Veterinary Clinic for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Uckfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Henley House Veterinary Clinic, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Henley House Veterinary Clinic, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley House Veterinary Clinic
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Henley House Veterinary Clinic.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Henley House Veterinary Clinic appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Henley House Veterinary Clinic supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
