Learning & Development Lead

Overview

Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – Training and Development is a leadership role focused on mentoring, teaching and supporting our Patient Care Assistants (PCA), Student Veterinary Nurses (SVN), and Pre and Post Registration (PRP) Nurses to advance their knowledge, experience, and practical skills. This role involves welcoming and supporting new associates through a structured induction programme and stepping into a leadership position to drive ongoing development within the Southfields nursing team.

As Lead RVN – Training and Development, you will be responsible for the effective leadership and representation of the student nursing team and the post-registration programme nursing team. You will work closely with the Head of Nursing Services (HONS) and other team leaders to ensure the efficient delivery of outstanding patient care through active coaching, training and mentorship of PCAs, SVNs and PRP nurses.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the recruitment, development, and performance of preceptors, clinical supervisors, and mentors
• Co-ordinating training and standardisation in collaboration with the central development team
• Maintaining Southfields’ training practice status, including scheduling degree SVN placements
• Co-ordinating working rotas and off-the-job training

In addition to training and development responsibilities, you will actively contribute to the clinical rota, including participation in the senior nursing team weekend rota. This will involve leading efficiencies through effective scheduling, case throughput, forward planning, and clear communication. You will co-ordinate associate breaks, allocate cases based on nursing skill set, and make timely, informed decisions to support strong clinical and operational performance.

Your leadership will ensure resources are optimised, patient care standards are upheld, and the team feels supported and motivated.

This position plays a significant role in the growth and advancement of the Southfields nursing team as the hospital continues to expand services within its 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art referral facility. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into leadership, supported by the Southfields Senior Leadership Team. Experience working in a referral environment would be advantageous.

This role requires strong, inclusive and decisive leadership, clear communication, and the ability to inspire and motivate others in line with the Southfields and Linnaeus nursing strategy. You will demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge, understanding, and practical nursing skills, leading by example and ensuring evidence-based nursing practice remains central to team delivery. You will adopt a solution-focused mindset, proactively identifying challenges and implementing sustainable improvements.

Strong critical thinking and collaborative skills are essential to support clinician governance processes, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in patient care standards.

• Right to work in the UK
• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong communication skills and professional approach
• Experience in a referral environment desirable but not essential

Southfields is the new name in referral services. This is an exciting time to join a forward-thinking and highly motivated team, supported by the Linnaeus Group, with significant investment in innovative services, a contemporary state-of-the-art working environment, and a strong commitment to personal and career development. With an excellent support structure in place, you will be able to focus on delivering high-quality care in a friendly and supportive practice environment.

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Generous CPD allowance and allocated CPD days
• Access to extensive Linnaeus clinical and non-clinical CPD programmes
• Career development opportunities within Southfields and the wider Linnaeus network
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Annual flu vaccination
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount and benefits platform

At Linnaeus, we are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of all our Associates, with access to Mental Health First Aiders and confidential wellbeing resources.

If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply button. For an informal discussion or more information about the role, please contact our Nursing Talent Acquisition Business Partner:

Purvi Kataria
Email:
Pu

All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you require any support in completing your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

Closing Date: Sunday 25 January 2026