Vet Futures Report launched at London Vet Show
BVA president Sean Wensley said: "When we launched Vet Futures our aim was to engage the veterinary profession and wider veterinary team in discussion about where we want to be in 15 years' time."
"A profession in charge of its future". That is the vision set out by the Vet Futures Report which was launched today (20 November) at the London Vet Show.
Vet Futures is a joint project between the BVA and the RCVS which considers issues facing the future of the veterinary profession. Over the last 12 months the project has undertaken extensive research with veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, members of the wider veterinary team, pet owners, key stakeholders and the general public.
Vet Futures reached out to the veterinary profession through news, guest blogs, polls, surveys and roadshows. From that feedback - along with research and evidence - six major themes emerged and the Vet Futures Report sets out clear ambitions and recommendations under each theme: animal health and welfare; veterinary professionals' wider role in society; health and well-being; diverse and rewarding careers; sustainable businesses and user-focussed services; and leadership.
Speaking ahead of the launch, BVA president Sean Wensley said: "When we launched Vet Futures our aim was to engage the veterinary profession and wider veterinary team in discussion about where we want to be in 15 years' time, and understand what we need to do, collectively and as individuals, to get there.
"Since then we have seen a fantastic level of engagement and an enormous amount of work has gone into putting together a report that is ambitions for our future and we are very excited about presenting it."
RCVS president Bradey Viner added: "Ultimately we all want a profession that is confident in itself and one in which members are proud to call themselves veterinary surgeons.
"Our research, discussions and debates have helped us set out a very clear list of ambitions and recommendations that we are looking forward to sharing with our colleagues on the veterinary team, and others with an interest in our future. The next stages will be turning those recommendations into actions and we hope everyone will want to play their part."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
