Wild Bird Rescue Dorset
Policy for Continuous Review of Care and Treatment Practices
Introduction At Wild Bird Rescue Dorset, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare for all wildlife casualties under our care. To achieve this, we recognise the importance of continually reviewing and updating our policies, practices, and methods in line with current thinking, scientific advancements, and industry best practices. This policy outlines our approach to maintaining and improving the care and treatment we provide.
Purpose The purpose of this policy is to:
- Ensure that our care and treatment methods are always aligned with the latest research and standards in wildlife rehabilitation and animal welfare.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the organisation.
- Provide clear guidelines for reviewing and updating existing policies and practices.
Scope This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and external collaborators involved in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of wildlife casualties at Wild Bird Rescue Dorset.
Policy Statement We are committed to:
- Regularly reviewing and revising our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they reflect current knowledge and understanding of avian care and rehabilitation.
- Incorporating evidence-based methods and techniques to optimise the welfare and recovery of wildlife casualties.
- Engaging with experts, professional bodies, and the wider wildlife rehabilitation community to stay informed of emerging trends and innovations.
Implementation To ensure the effective implementation of this policy, the following steps will be taken:
- Scheduled Policy Reviews
- Policies and procedures will be reviewed at least annually or more frequently if significant changes in wildlife care practices occur.
- A designated volunteer or trustee will oversee the review process and provide recommendations for updates.
- Monitoring and Feedback
- Regular monitoring of care practices will be conducted to identify areas for improvement.
- Feedback from volunteers, and external collaborators will be encouraged and valued as part of the review process.
- Training and Development
- Volunteers will receive ongoing training on updated methods and best practices.
- Opportunities for professional development, including attending workshops, conferences, and networking events, will be provided.
- Collaboration and Consultation
- We will engage with veterinarians, wildlife experts, and relevant organisations to inform our practices.
- Research findings and recommendations from professional bodies such as the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) will be integrated into our policies.
- Documentation and Communication
- All changes to policies and procedures will be documented and communicated clearly to trustees and volunteers.
- Updated policies will be made readily available and incorporated into training materials.
Evaluation and Reporting
- Regular evaluations will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of updated policies and practices in improving animal welfare outcomes.
- Reports summarising findings and progress will be shared with stakeholders, including trustees and funders, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Review Cycle This policy will itself be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Updates will be approved by Sandra Becker.
Conclusion Through the implementation of this policy, Wild Bird Rescue Dorset aims to maintain the highest standards of care for wildlife casualties, ensuring that their welfare remains at the heart of all we do. Continuous improvement and adherence to best practices will enable us to fulfil our mission to rehabilitate and release birds back into the wild successfully.
Approved by: Sandra Becker
Date: January 2025
Next Review Date: January 2026