Chess Veterinary Clinic has been serving the Hertfordshire community for almost 80 years, building trusted relationships with generations of clients. The practice has a loyal and largely insured client base, with clients who value thorough investigation and high-quality care. The team also sees a small number of charity cases, including C4 neutering work, giving the practice an opportunity to support the wider community.
You’ll be primarily based at our Rickmansworth practice, a characterful and welcoming site set within a converted stable, with a second site in nearby Chorleywood. The role will involve approximately 1–2 days per week at Chorleywood where required, giving you the opportunity to work across both practices while remaining part of one established team. Chorleywood has recently been refurbished and offers a large consult room and spacious waiting area, while Rickmansworth provides the charm and character of a long-established local practice.
The practices are well equipped to support a high standard of first-opinion medicine and surgery, including an in-house laboratory offering routine haematology and biochemistry alongside thyroid, cPLI and cortisol testing, digital radiography including dental imaging, ultrasound for abdominal and cardiac scans and endoscopy equipment. There is a dedicated theatre, as well as a separate area for dental procedures and ultrasonography. With imaging and endoscopy representing areas the practice would particularly like to develop, this role offers scope for the successful candidate to help shape and strengthen these services.
You’ll be joining a highly experienced and stable team. The Nursing Manager has been with the practice for around 14 years and completed her own nurse training there, while the Practice Manager is also an RVN with almost 10 years in practice. Another RVN has around 12 years’ service, and the reception and client care teams are similarly experienced, with some colleagues having been part of the practice for around 30 years. It’s a welcoming team where people know each other well, support one another and value open discussion around cases and clinical decision-making.
As Lead Vet, you’ll work closely with the Clinical Director and Practice Manager to support the veterinary team, encourage clinical best practice and contribute to the ongoing development of the practice. This could include mentoring colleagues, supporting clinical discussions and governance, identifying opportunities for service improvement and helping create an environment where the wider team can continue to develop. You’ll have the autonomy to bring your experience and ideas to the role while benefiting from the wider support and resources of Linnaeus.
The practice is situated in the affluent and picturesque area of Rickmansworth, with excellent transport links into London and easy access to the Chilterns. The Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Chorleywood Common are both nearby, offering plenty of opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors, while the local area has a village feel with independent cafés and amenities close by.