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.” Abi MRCVS
Since Chris took ownership in 2006, Henley House has continued to grow and evolve while retaining the friendly, personal feel of an independent practice. We’ve expanded into Heathfield and continued to invest in our facilities, equipment and team.
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.
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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
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Henley House Veterinary Clinic often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley House Veterinary Clinic
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Henley House Veterinary Clinic. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Henley House Veterinary Clinic.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Henley House Veterinary Clinic.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Henley House Veterinary Clinic.
