At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor and support nursing teams to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking veterinary referral service with a strong commitment to development.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, CPD allowance, life assurance, and employee wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact on patient care.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – Training and Development
Location: Southfields Veterinary Specialists
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 32 hours per week
Overview
Would you like the opportunity to mentor, teach and support our Patient Care Assistants (PCA), Student Veterinary Nurses (SVN), and Pre and Post Registration (PRP) Nurses to advance their knowledge, experience, and practical skills? Do you enjoy welcoming and supporting new associates through a structured induction programme? Are you ready to take the next step into a leadership role? This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN to play a key role in the ongoing development of the Southfields nursing team.
The Role
As Lead RVN – Training and Development, you will be responsible for the effective leadership and representation of the student nursing team and the post‑registration programme nursing team. You will work closely and collaboratively with the Head of Nursing Services (HONS) and other team leaders to ensure the efficient delivery of outstanding patient care through active coaching, training, and mentorship of PCAs, SVNs, and PRP nurses.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance of preceptors, clinical supervisors, and mentors
- Co‑ordinating training and standardisation in collaboration with the central development team
- Maintaining Southfields’ training practice status, including scheduling degree SVN placements
- Co‑ordinating working rotas and off‑the‑job training
In addition to training and development responsibilities, you will actively contribute to the clinical rota, including participation in the senior nursing team weekend rota. This will involve leading efficiencies through effective scheduling, case throughput, forward planning, and clear communication. You will co‑ordinate associate breaks, allocate cases based on nursing skill set, and make timely, informed decisions to support strong clinical and operational performance. Your leadership will ensure resources are optimised, patient care standards are upheld, and the team feels supported and motivated.
Career Development
This position plays a significant role in the growth and advancement of the Southfields nursing team as the hospital continues to expand services within its 40,000 sq. ft. state‑of‑the‑art referral facility. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into leadership, supported by the Southfields Senior Leadership Team. Experience working in a referral environment would be advantageous.
About You
This role requires strong, inclusive and decisive leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and motivate others in line with the Southfields and Linnaeus nursing strategy. You will demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge, understanding, and practical nursing skills, leading by example and ensuring evidence‑based nursing practice remains central to team delivery. You will adopt a solution‑focused mindset, proactively identifying challenges and implementing sustainable improvements. Strong critical thinking and collaborative skills are essential to support clinician governance processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in patient care standards.
Essential Requirements
- Right to work in the UK
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Strong communication skills and professional approach
- Experience in a referral environment desirable but not essential
About Southfields
Southfields is the new name in referral services. This is an exciting time to join a forward‑thinking and highly motivated team, supported by the Linnaeus Group, with significant investment in innovative services, a contemporary state‑of‑the‑art working environment, and a strong commitment to personal and career development. With an excellent support structure in place, you will be able to focus on delivering high‑quality care in a friendly and supportive practice environment.
What We Offer
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Generous CPD allowance and allocated CPD days
- Access to extensive Linnaeus clinical and non‑clinical CPD programmes
- Career development opportunities within Southfields and the wider Linnaeus network
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Life Assurance (4x salary)
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eye care voucher scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff discount and benefits platform
At Linnaeus, we are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of all our Associates, with access to Mental Health First Aiders and confidential wellbeing resources.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply button. For an informal discussion or more information about the role, please contact our Nursing Talent Acquisition Business Partner: Purvi Kataria Email: Purvi.Kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you require any support in completing your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.
Closing Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Basildon employer: Southfields Veterinary Specialists
Contact Detail:
Southfields Veterinary Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those at Southfields. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your leadership skills and think of examples where you've mentored or trained others. Show us how you can inspire and motivate the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your clinical knowledge! Be ready to discuss evidence-based practices and how you’ve implemented improvements in patient care in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Southfields team.
We think you need these skills to ace LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEAD in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Learning & Development Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about mentoring and leading, don’t forget to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or trained others in the past. We want to see your leadership style in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for teaching and developing others shines through. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will go straight to us, and we can get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southfields Veterinary Specialists
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and practical nursing skills. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences that highlight your expertise, especially in a referral environment. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also a hands-on practitioner.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to mentoring and coaching others. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved training processes. Highlight how you inspire and motivate your colleagues, aligning with the inclusive leadership style they value.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your responses and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
✨Be Solution-Focused
Demonstrate your ability to identify challenges and propose sustainable improvements. Prepare examples of past situations where you’ve implemented changes that enhanced patient care or team performance. This will show that you’re proactive and committed to continuous improvement.