StreetVet has become a renowned presence in the veterinary profession, known for its network of volunteers providing free care to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. Behind the charity’s compassionate frontline is a small but dedicated team, working to ensure that StreetVet can grow sustainably and continue to meet the needs of people and their animals.
This year, two members of that team – Operations Manager Sarah Matthews and Clinical Case Team Lead Monique Fort – have taken a significant step in their professional journeys, completing the VMG/ILM’s Level 5 Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management. Their achievement marks the first time StreetVet team members have gained a professional leadership qualification, supported by a grant from the Institute of Leadership (IoL).
Personal growth
For Monique, the course offered a chance to develop new aspects in her role. “Completing this qualification has meant a great deal to me, both personally and professionally. It’s given me the chance to grow as a leader, to develop skills I genuinely enjoy using and to bring new insights back to my team,” she reflected.
Sarah described how the programme broadened her perspective: “This course has deepened my understanding of organisational strategy, team leadership and operational excellence. It has also given me valuable insight into my own strengths and areas for growth. I’m excited to apply these skills to help drive innovation and change at StreetVet.”
Why leadership matters
CEO Zoe Abbotts has already noticed a tangible impact on the team: “Sarah and Monique are communicating with greater confidence and approaching challenges more collaboratively. Leadership training of this kind is a valuable investment in both the sustainability of the charity and the professional growth of our team.”
Her comments reflect a wider truth in the profession: that effective leadership lies in the way teams are guided, challenges are navigated, and lasting impact is created.
StreetVet’s story also highlights the role organisations like the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) play in the development of greater leadership expertise in the veterinary profession. The IoL awarded funding to the VMG through an initiative it runs to support leadership development in small to medium-sized organisations.
Amy Martin, Learning and Development Manager at VMG, explained: “It’s been a privilege to support the learning journey of these members of StreetVet’s leadership team and to see the positive impact of their hard work, both on them as individuals and on the charity’s wider team. The VMG worked hard to secure funding for this worthy cause because of its fundamental belief in the value of leadership training for all those working in the veterinary profession.”
StreetVet’s investment in leadership development demonstrates how building capability at an individual level can strengthen an organisation as a whole. At a time when the profession faces increasing demands, examples like this highlight the importance of embedding leadership training more widely across the sector to secure its long-term future.
The VMG/ILM Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management includes two core modules and two optional modules, giving learners the flexibility to focus on areas most relevant to their roles and career goals. Each module runs over approximately nine weeks and combines guided online learning with interactive tutorials led by VMG tutors – all experienced veterinary leaders and coaches. To consolidate learning, each module concludes with an assessment.
As the professional body for all those in leadership and management roles within the veterinary sector, the VMG provides education, peer support and its accredited qualification, the VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.
Do you want to know more about leadership? Take a look at some of our resources:
Leading in a Customer-Orientated Business – XLVets
Are women naturally better leaders? – Debbie Robinson
Compassionate Leadership – Helping Veterinary Teams to Thrive
Colour personality profiling as a leadership tool – Jo Woods
Can anyone hear me? How different styles of listening are integral to good leadership
What’s in a name: the different styles of leadership
Veterinary management or Leadership: what’s the difference and why does it matter?
How can we make a difference in promoting healthy leadership in the profession?
Thriving in leadership: doing the right thing when you’re in charge
Taking your first steps into leadership – what you need to know