VN Futures DIWP Group launch survey as part of flexible working campaign

The Diversity, Inclusion and Widening Participation (DIWP) Working Group of the VN Futures Project is launching a survey to understand more about how veterinary nurses view flexible working, as part of a wider flexible working campaign.

Founded in 2021, the DIWP aims to actively address diversity and inclusivity, specifically within the veterinary nursing profession, and consider the support needed by those from diverse backgrounds who are already working within the profession. The flexible working campaign, which is one of five campaigns to be carried out by DIWP this year, aims to create an awareness about the benefits of flexible working and how it can improve work-life balance, job satisfaction, and aid with the retention of veterinary nurses.

VN Futures is inviting veterinary nurses from all walks of life to complete the questionnaire into flexible working as part of their DIWP campaign in order to gain a more accurate picture as to how many nurses are currently able to undertake flexible working arrangements and views on flexible working as a whole.

The insights gained will then be used to develop tools and resources for employers and employees alike, to help both parties understand the benefits of flexible working and how this can be negotiated on both sides.

Charlotte Pace, BVNA President and DIWP Working Group member, said: “Flexible working has massively grown in popularity over the past few years, with many workers now favouring employment that can fit around their personal lives and responsibilities. However, in the veterinary nursing profession, due to the nature of shift-based work, implementing flexible working can be challenging and people may have concerns about asking for more flexible working arrangements.

“Our flexible working campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits of flexible working, both for the good of each individual persons needs, and for the good of the sector as a whole.

“We would be very grateful if you could take just 10 minutes to complete our flexible working survey, to help us make flexible working a more accessible option for all.”

The survey is anonymous and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete – please note some of the responses may be shared during the DIWP campaign in August.

Anybody wishing to part-take can access it at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DIWPFlexibleWorking. All responses must be submitted by Friday 11 August 2023.