Meet Claire Ross, Pennard Vets EOT trustee

Note: This article was first published in Pennard Pulse, Pennard Vets' internal magazine.

“My aim is to make sure your voice is heard” – by Claire Ross RVN

As a trustee of our EOT, I want everyone in our practices to feel included in what we do. 

That’s why I want everyone to know that I’m here and happy to chat if they want to reach out. So allow me to introduce myself!

I’ve been here at Pennard Vets since I joined as a student nurse in 2002. From then till now I’ve seen a lot of changes, with people coming and going, and my journey has naturally progressed into a leadership role as practice principal at our Tonbridge and West Malling sites.

“It was a really, really proud moment to be put forward to represent our team”

I still remember the day I was asked to take on the role as trustee of the EOT – it was a really, really proud moment to be put forward for a position where I could represent our team, and I remain proud of my role today. 

What being an EOT trustee involves

Being a trustee is a varied role that gives me insight into projects around the business, big and small.

One of my responsibilities is to keep an eye on the pot from which we give awards to the team. We had our first payout at the end of 2022, which was a really nice milestone. Going forwards it is important that our colleagues know that there’s a direct line between the work we do and the payouts we can provide. A healthy business means a healthy pot!

I’ve also been taking courses, attending congresses and webinars, and meeting other EOT teams to get as much insight as possible into how we can take advantage of the benefits our status offers. It’s great to have that support and there’s a really friendly community between our peers, which is lovely to tap into. 

“I’m here to make sure everybody has their voice heard”

How I can help you

The great thing about being employee-owned is the sense of security in the knowledge that we won’t sell out to a corporate chain, we’re going to remain independent and in control of our own future, with each of our owners having a voice to contribute towards that.

That’s what I’m here to do – to make sure everybody has their voice heard, because if people have great ideas, it’s important we’re listening and making the most of the value different insights bring.

My aim this year is to spend as much time with our teams as possible. I’m going to be setting up EOT lunches, inviting members of the team to come along and chat, whether about wellbeing and happiness in our roles or to ensure that everyone fully understands and is able to take advantage of their position as an owner of our business. 

That’s how we’re going to continue to grow and improve, both for ourselves as employees and co-owners, and for our patients and clients.