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What is the VCMS' Mediation Process?

Our mediation process works to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties and on agreeing to mediation both parties sign our legally binding document which outlines the process itself.

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  • March 8th 2023

    A Spring in the Step

    Whilst we can’t wait for spring sunshine, longer days and the explosion of life and colour in our gardens and fields, spring does come with a health warning for some… In today’s article we examine…
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  • March 3rd 2023

    The Worry Trend Of Obesity In Dogs

    In our latest blog, we explore the worrying trend of obese animals and what, as an owner, you can do to prevent your #pet from becoming overweight. Recent reports arriving at the VCMS have highlighted…
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  • February 10th 2023

    What to Consider when Choosing a Pet

    The onset of Spring, which is soon to arrive, can often lead many to reconsider looking into whether they want to own a pet or not. In our latest article, we explore just what to…
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  • February 10th 2023

    How to Use Mediation Techniques to Solve Complaints

    Jennie Jones is Head of the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS) and a partner at Nockolds Solicitors, specialising in complaints and medical negligence, pioneering the use of mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution…
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  • December 14th 2022

    Grief and How to Deal With Loss

    The famous quote, “Grief is the price to pay for love” may be a comfort to many who have lost not only pets but colleagues, family members and friends. When a valued member of your…
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  • December 14th 2022

    A Dog Safe Christmas

    As the festive season approaches with it promise of indulgence it is an exciting time. However, it also can be full of hidden dangers to our four-legged friends, from toxic foods to dangerous seasonal plants.…
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  • November 14th 2022

    How to Write a Letter of Complaint

    Complaining may not be easy but it is a fact of life. Whether in our personal or professional interactions, complaining can be a difficult yet inevitable experience.
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  • November 3rd 2022

    Pets and Firework Safety

    As we move into the end of October and the start of November, firework season is upon us as many celebrate both Diwali, Guy Fawkes Night and, of course, New Year is on its way.…
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  • October 5th 2022

    Is Over Care an Issue?

    Euthansisa and the putting down of pets is never an easy decision, either for the vet in question or the owner. Often seen as a last resort, the process is emotionally difficult for all concerned.…
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  • October 5th 2022

    The Cost of Cats and Dogs

    The cost of living crisis is placing extra pressure on both pet owners both new and old. With spiralling prices, the cost of owning a pet is more expensive than ever. Reports coming to the…
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  • September 7th 2022

    Those Puppy Dog Eyes…

    Did you know that in terms of pets owned, dogs are the most common pet in UK households, with the share of households reporting dog ownership at 33%?  With this in mind, we look at…
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  • September 7th 2022

    The Cost of Living Crisis and Pets

    Recent reports have been arriving at the VCMS linked to the cost of living crisis and its effects on pet owners. In today’s article, we cover the worrying trend of pets being abandoned as owners…
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  • August 8th 2022

    Respect and ‘Be Kind’ – Online and Verbal Abuse in Veterinary Practices

    In a recent survey conducted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), it was revealed that 30% of vets had received online abuse in the past year and 47% reported that they had felt intimidated by…
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  • August 8th 2022

    The Cost of Living and Animal Welfare

    The cost of living has increased across the UK and with this comes the added pressure on households up and down the country. Recently, there have been reports that vets fear that pet owners may…
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  • August 8th 2022

    Industry Insight and Lessons Learned

    From the VCMS mediations it was clear to see that the impact of Covid-19 and restrictions continued to exacerbate complaint situations throughout 2021.
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  • June 24th 2022

    When the Approach to Complaining Can Be Damaging

    In today’s blog we look at the importance, as a client, of complaining the right way and the troubling impact aggression or high emotions can have.
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  • June 24th 2022

    SPVG World Congress Report

    Last month, Head of the VCMS Jennie Jones and VCMS Resolution Manager Janet Hulse attended Europe’s largest non-clinical veterinary SPVS-VMG Congress 2022. In today’s blog we share their experiences at the event.
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  • June 6th 2022

    Using Complaints for Continuous Improvements

    Whilst they may not seem remotely positive at first glance, complaints provide veterinary practices with valuable customer feedback.
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  • June 6th 2022

    The Queen and Corgis

    To celebrate the Royal Jubilee, in our latest blog we look at the Queen’s favourite dog breed - the corgi and how they became associated with the longest reigning British monarch.
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  • May 26th 2022

    What is Mediation and What Isn’t Mediation?

    One of the biggest challenges that we face is awareness of our service and what mediation can do for those involved with a complain. In today’s article, we examine what mediation is and isn’t.
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