Associate Professor in Social Work develops role for first veterinary social worker in UK
By: Heather Stanley
Last updated: Friday, 27 February 2026
"This work has shown me that meaningful change doesn’t necessarily begin with certainty, but with curiosity, commitment and courage to make space for something new."
Following her work with The Links Group and research conducted at Langford Vets last year, Rebecca Stephens has been involved in developing the UK's first embedded Veterinary Human Support/Social Worker.
Veterinary social work is new to the UK and Rebecca has been creating a model applicable to the UK context. The new role recognises the emotionally complex nature of veterinary work and the need for an on-site professional skilled in managing the full range of human emotions.
Rebecca said:
"I don’t believe embedded human services roles in the veterinary/animal welfare space should offer quick fixes; they should offer presence, perspective, and partnership.
"This work has shown me that meaningful change doesn’t necessarily begin with certainty, but with curiosity, commitment and courage to make space for something new."