Organisational background

The Walker family has been associated with animals’ care and welfare dating back to 1674 when the earliest records show a farrier in Long Compton named John Walker. The Walkers remained in Long Compton until 1949 when Alan’s father, Jack, moved to Burmington. Before 1881 it was possible to act as a Vet without being a member of the RCVS. One of Alan’s ancestors, Bracy Clark, was one of the first students to attend the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, newly formed in 1791; he was reputed to lead the first horse into the infirmary for examination; he then wrote about the outstanding racehorse of his day, Eclipse, unbeaten just like Frankel during his racing career.

Initially established by Alan Walker and his father Jack in 1981 (this year marks our 40th Anniversary!), we have changed a few times to the Hook Norton Veterinary Group (HNVG) of today. From humble beginnings in a wooden shed at Burmington through enlargement to the premises in the village of Hook Norton, before moving to the present site in 2002. Having been involved in the practice’s development to modern hospital facilities, Alan retired from the Partnership in 2006. However, as the practice continues to grow and thrive, he can still contribute and play an active part by working part-time in a consultancy role and regularly attending meets at the Stratford Racecourse.

We are a modern, forward-thinking practice with separate pet, farm and equine departments and over 30 dedicated vets providing round-the-clock care. We are proud to be one of the founding members of XLVets, a group of privately-owned veterinary practices spanning the length and breadth of the UK, working together to share veterinary ideas, knowledge, and skills. We value everyone as an individual. Whilst the practice is no longer a family-run business, everyone (directors, vets, nurses, admin) within the business has a family, and we welcome them into our HNVG family. Each individual is a cog in the HNVG team, and we know that we need to all be turning in the right direction to keep the ship sailing smoothly. This is why we push ourselves to help everyone achieve the right work-life balance.

We have an active Thriving in Practice initiative, and once COVID allows, we will be able to get together socially. Fingers crossed for our 40th Anniversary party in September! As well as Thriving in Practice, clinical mentoring is offered via designated internal staff and complemented by a career pathway designed to support your long-term aspirations. With the aim of delivering the best care for your pets, horses, and livestock, we are committed to providing a professional modern veterinary service with traditional values in an approachable compassionate manner.

Organisation aims & mission

We are committed to providing a professional, modern veterinary service with traditional values, in an approachable, compassionate manner.

CARE.

We always endeavour to deliver exceptional animal CARE & uphold and promote high welfare standards at all times. The bedrock of our business is the care of the animals we treat. From the smallest to the biggest, we strive to seek out the best treatments, deliver them in a timely manner and ensure that the animals always come first.

PEOPLE.

We will continue to invest in & develop the best PEOPLE, enabling them to thrive in a happy working environment. The most important investment we have is our staff. We promise to do our best for them; encouraging them to develop & harness their ambitions. We take very seriously the well-being of our staff and are committed to making changes that will enable them to “work happy”.

COMMUNITY.

We are committed to supporting local communities and businesses & contributing to our independent veterinary COMMUNITY. We started as a local independent business and we remain a local independent business. Whilst our reach is now far and wide, we will continue to develop relationships with local clients, local businesses and local communities.

INTEGRITY.

We will always adhere with INTEGRITY to our morals, ethics & code of conduct.

The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct centres our moral and ethical compass, and will be adhered to at all times: “I PROMISE AND SOLEMNLY DECLARE that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that, ABOVE ALL, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.”

Diversity at Hook Norton Veterinary Group – Your work environment

People are at the heart of what we do at HNVG. We recognise that creating a diverse and inclusive environment that nurtures our employees and encourages them to bring their best and whole self to work is crucial. We fully commit to recruiting the very best talent to join us regardless of race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or other characteristics.

Be you! Join us today, so we can continue to offer the best veterinary care possible.
HNVG operates a flexible working policy.

We are a fiercely independent practice and you will be working alongside the directors who are passionate about the job they do and want to create a workplace that both our staff and clients want to come to!

The most important investment we have is our staff. We promise to do our best for them; encouraging them to develop & harness their ambitions. We take very seriously the wellbeing of our staff and are committed to making changes that will enable them to “work happy”.

Our ideal employee is someone who is a team player, a good communicator, and always strives to deliver excellence in the animal care they provide.

We are a busy hospital, so someone who likes to work in that environment is key, however, you won’t be thrown in the deep end – we have an excellent support system in place, and a fantastic team!