Handling tricky HR Issues in veterinary practice: From recruitment to conflict management

Citation Podcast

Handling tricky HR Issues in veterinary practice: From recruitment to conflict management

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Running a successful veterinary practice is about clinical expertise and people. 

Recruitment challenges. Retention pressures. Flexible working requests. Performance concerns. Team conflict. 

In our new podcast, Adrian Brine, Partnership Manager at Citation, is joined by: 

• Emma McGrath, Professional Support Solicitor at Citation 

• Chris White, Operations & Development Director and Board Chair at VMG 

• Steven Goodear, SPVS Board Member and Practice Owner at Black Sheep Vets 

Together, they explore the real HR challenges facing veterinary practices today – and how to manage them without overcomplicating processes or creating unnecessary bureaucracy. 

What you’ll learn 

1. Recruitment and retention in a competitive market
   • Why hiring feels harder than ever — and how clearer job adverts, transparent salaries and flexible working options can improve candidate quality.
   • And how culture, progression and workload balance play a critical role. 
2. Managing performance and flexible working fairly
   • How to intervene early when issues arise, document conversations properly and create accountability, without turning your practice into a rulebook-driven environment. 
3. Handling conflict before it escalates
   • In a high-pressure clinical setting, tensions can build quickly. Our panel shares practical ways to: 
   • Improve communication 
   • De-escalate misunderstandings 
   • Run constructive one-to-ones 
   • Create psychological safety within teams
4. Common HR mistakes to avoid
   • From outdated contracts and inconsistent documentation to avoiding difficult conversations, we discuss the predictable (and preventable) errors that increase turnover and stress. 

Why this episode matters 

As practices grow and teams expand, managing people becomes more complex. What worked with five team members may not work with forty. 

The good news? Most HR challenges are manageable with early conversations, clear communication and consistent leadership. 

This episode is packed with practical insight to help practice leaders build teams people want to stay in.