BVA provides a free legal advice line for its members. The advice line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is manned by a team of legal advisors, mainly lawyers, who have a range of expertise covering all aspects of the law.
Members are able to fax documents or agreements where they require advice, but advisers will not write on a member’s behalf. All calls are treated as confidential and are recorded for future reference.
The resource is for BVA members only – the phone number is available from the members section of the BVA website. A valid membership number is required in order to access the BVA legal advice line.
BVA Mediation Service (Members Only)
The BVA free mediation service brings the parties in dispute together and helps them to reach agreement. It is a voluntary process and issues discussed remain confidential. The process requires compromise from both parties and often results in a better, less expensive and less stressful resolution than litigation.
BVA Representation Service (Employee Members & Employee Associates Only)
Legal representation is primarily to help resolve issues that arise in the workplace. Often, issues arise through lack of communication and differences in expectation between the parties. The representation team will be able to provide guidance and support with disciplinary and grievance issues and will attend hearings with members where required. They will work throughout to achieve a sensible and amicable solution.
The pack includes factsheets on the Data Protection Act, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and how to hold informal and formal grievance meetings, categories of “worker” and “employee”, working time regulations, discrimination and part-time workers.
If you feel distressed or depressed by the situation in which you find yourself you can ring Vet Helpline on 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone). Friendly people with experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence.