Monique Fort
First StreetVet Team Members Achieve Leadership Qualifications Thanks To Institute Of Leadership Grant
2 months ago 
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Two members of StreetVet’s team have become the first at the charity to achieve the VMG/ILM’s globally recognised Level 5 Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management, thanks to a £5,000 grant from the Institute of Leadership (IoL).
Operations Manager Sarah Matthews and Clinical Case Team Lead Monique Fort undertook the year-long programme in 2024, after the IoL awarded the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) funding through an initiative it runs to support leadership development in small to medium-sized organisations.
The VMG/ILM Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management includes two core modules and two optional modules, giving learners the flexibility to focus on areas most relevant to their roles and career goals. Each module runs over approximately nine weeks and combines guided online learning with interactive tutorials led by VMG tutors – all experienced veterinary leaders and coaches. To consolidate learning, each module concludes with an assessment.
StreetVet, an award-winning national charity, provides free veterinary care to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness. With more than 350 volunteers making up 24 teams of vets and vet nurses, the charity is expanding rapidly. It also runs an accredited hostel and day centre scheme, helping accommodation providers to become pet-inclusive and better support residents with pets.
CEO Zoe Abbotts said: “Sarah and Monique are the first StreetVet staff to gain a professional leadership qualification and I’ve already observed a tangible impact on the team as they have adapted their leadership styles, are communicating with greater confidence and approaching challenges more collaboratively.”
She added: “Leadership training of this kind is a valuable investment in both the sustainability of the charity and the professional growth of our team. If funding allows, we’re keen to extend this opportunity to others in the future.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Monique Fort said: “Completing this qualification has meant a great deal to me, both personally and professionally. It’s given me the chance to grow as a leader, to develop skills I genuinely enjoy using and to bring new insights back to my team. I feel honoured and grateful to have had this opportunity.”
Sarah Matthews added: “This course has deepened my understanding of organisational strategy, team leadership and operational excellence. It has also given me valuable insight into my own strengths and areas for growth. I’m excited to apply these skills to help drive innovation and change at StreetVet.”
Amy Martin RVN MA, Learning and Development Manager of the VMG said: “It’s been a privilege to support the learning journey of these members of StreetVet’s leadership team and to see the positive impact of their hard work, both on them as individuals and on the charity’s wider team.
“The VMG worked hard to secure funding for this worthy cause because of its fundamental belief in the value of leadership training for all those working in the veterinary profession.”
As the professional body for all those in leadership and management roles within the veterinary sector, the VMG provides education, peer support and its accredited qualification, the VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.
More information about StreetVet’s work is available here:
For further information:
Rebecca George, George PR
[email protected]/07974 161108
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