Basingstoke MP Maria Miller recently visited the Basingstoke Pets at Home store, to hear more about the company, the facilities at its Basingstoke store, and the ways in which it supports women in work, both in its retail business and also its veterinary group.
Maria was welcomed by Louise Stonier (Chief People and Legal Officer), Gillian Hammond (Group Head of Media and Corporate Affairs) and Catriona Curtis (Vet Talent Manager), as well as the store’s Deputy Manager, Meg Penketh. She was given a tour of the store, during which she heard about training and progression for staff, the company’s HR policies to support mothers, including shared parental leave, and their female leadership development programme.
Maria also visited the veterinary surgery at the store, Companion Care Vets, which is a joint venture with Pets at Home. The Practice Director Jose Messa gave her a tour of the facilities, including the on-site operating theatre, and introduced her to members of the practice staff.
Maria said: “I was pleased to visit Pets at Home in Hatch Warren and learn more about the store and the services it offers, including a full veterinary practice. It was interesting to hear about the company’s HR policies, including flexible working and a programme of bringing female vets back into the workplace after significant career breaks. It is good to see these practices adopted by a Basingstoke employer.
Louise Stonier, Chief People and Legal Officer, commented: “We’re very proud of the work-life balance that we offer colleagues throughout the Pets at Home group. At the Vets4Pets surgery in our Basingstoke store, four of our vets and three of our nurses are mums with flexible working patterns. We want to ensure that everyone who works with us feels free and confident to make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their careers.”