Harrogate headquartered independent and family run veterinary group, Harrison Family Vets has launched a new and market-leading development plan for its care coordinators (CCs), otherwise known as receptionists, offering a clear career pathway for learning, progression and leadership - as well as an exciting trip to the South of France.

Harrison Family Vets now has 10 practices, stretching from Reading in the south and Newcastle in the north, and employs more than 100 people. This includes a 30-strong team of CCs who recently enjoyed a trip to Cannes for CPD and to mark the launch of the new programme, known as the CC Development Plan.

During the three-day trip, the teams attended various training sessions, as well as touring one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Virbac’s main manufacturing site and global headquarters is located outside Nice at Carros. Afterwards the group enjoyed a private catamaran tour of the French Riviera.

Harrison Family Vets now has three tiers of development with everyone starting at level one. Those wishing to participate in the optional programme, can then progress to level two by completing the acclaimed Fear Free accreditation, the British Veterinary Receptionist Association’s (BVRA) foundation course, a written assignment and attending Harrison Family Vets’ in-house CC training day.

Level two CCs will also have at least 18 months’ experience working at Harrison Family Vets and to reach level three, CCs with at least three years’ experience will spend several days working at another practice within the group and at its head office, attend the BVRA’s congress and complete at least two of the organisation’s training courses. They will also organise a social or team building event for colleagues at their practice.

Each level includes a salary increase and those reaching level three will earn much more than the industry average, as well as having the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and managerial roles tailored to their individual skills and career goals.

Annabel Harrison, from Harrison Family Vets, said: “Our team of CCs are integral to what we do at Harrison Family Vets and often they’re the unsung heroes in practices throughout the UK. They never know what emergency will come through the door or what the next phone call will bring. They book and manage appointments, determine whether cases need to take priority, offer emotional support at difficult times and communicate with clients and colleagues to keep everything running smoothly.

“It’s an extremely skilled role requiring organisation, calmness, efficiency and excellent communication skills.

“Growth is one of our core principles at Harrison Family Vets and our CC Development Plan reinforces our commitment to the ongoing training and progression of our team. It goes way beyond what most other veterinary practice offer and is specifically designed to provide a clear pathway for learning, progression and leadership, ensuring every team member can develop their skills and grow within Harrison Family Vets.”

Harrison Family Vets launched in 2021, opening its first practice in Woodley near Reading before expanding into Kingswinford at the start of 2022. Since then, the family-owned group has opened in Manchester, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke, Sheffield and Newcastle.