BVA seeks nominations for future president
“The BVA president performs a vital role in representing the veterinary profession and promoting the importance of animal welfare and the role of vets in society."
The BVA is looking for nominations for its next junior vice president, who will become president of the association in 2019/20.
Nominations are open to all veterinary surgeons who are members of the BVA. Candidates can self-nominate, or a fellow BVA member can nominate them with their consent.
To apply or nominate a fellow BVA member, visit: www.bva.co.uk/elections. Nominations close at 9am on Monday, 15 January, 2018.
BVA says applications or nominations from members meeting the following criteria will be particularly (but not exclusively) welcomed:
- veterinary surgeons in clinical practice, or very recently in clinical practice
- a background in animal welfare science, ethics and law
- a thorough understanding or awareness of the current veterinary landscape
- an understanding of workforce issues, including retention and recruitment, and the professional needs and expectations of millennials.
All nominations will be assessed by the Electoral College, who will make a recommendation to BVA Council. The college is comprised of Vets Now business development director, Patricia Colville; small animal vet James Bould; and David Williams, who runs the ophthalmology clinic and the University of Cambridge.
Mr Bould said: “The BVA president performs a vital role in representing the veterinary profession and promoting the importance of animal welfare and the role of vets in society.
“It is therefore crucial that we select candidates with the right skills, experience and character to undertake this important job. The next few years are likely to present some great opportunities for the profession to help shape public policy and improve animal welfare.”
Each of the BVA’s officer roles - junior vice president, senior vice president and president - are one year terms from the BVA’s AGM in September. Candidates for junior VP and president must be elected at the AGM in order to serve the coming year. The total commitment is three years as an officer, plus three years as a past president on BVA Council.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
