UK chief vet announces plans to retire
Professor Nigel Gibbens was appointed as CVO in May 2008.
After almost 10 years as the UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO), professor Nigel Gibbens CBE has announced his plans to retire.
In a GOV.UK blog post, Prof Gibbens said: “I plan to retire at the end of February 2018 after almost ten years in post and we hope to have a successor identified in good time.
“I have had a fantastic time in a challenging and interesting job at the centre of Government, working across the Civil Service and with the private sector, with my CVO colleagues in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and representing Defra and the UK nationally and internationally. But ten years is a good innings and it is time for me to move on.
“Do have a look at the advert, assess whether you meet the key criteria and seriously consider applying. It is a great job!”
Prof Gibbens was appointed as CVO in May 2008, following previous experience in the State Veterinary Service and in policy roles on International trade, BSE controls and animal welfare.
In his early career, Nigel worked in private practice and in government veterinary services in Belize and Yemen.
The chief veterinary officer (CVO) job is currently being advertised on Civil Service Jobs. The salary is ‘circa £120,000’ for a 37-hour flexible-working week.
The job description states: ‘As CVO UK, you will ensure that the nation is better protected against animal diseases and that Defra has strong response and recovery capabilities. You will provide strategic leadership on all elements of animal health and welfare policy and will ensure that Defra has timely access to professional veterinary input.’
For more information about the role, visit the Veredus Recruitment site.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
