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RUMA names new secretary general
Mr Lloyd has been immersed in the livestock sector throughout his career.
AHDB’s Chris Lloyd will succeed John Fitzgerald

The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) has named former AHDB director of knowledge exchange Chris Lloyd as new secretary general. He will take over from John Fitzgerald when he retires at the end of the year.

Mr Lloyd has been immersed in the livestock sector throughout his career. After graduating from Writtle Agricultural College, he spent 16 years working for the National Sheep Association holding various positions of influence across the UK.

In 1999, he was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship to study the sheep industries of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He joined EBLEX in 2003 to deliver the Sheep and Beef Better Returns Programmes.
 
He later held other positions including director for knowledge exchange across all AHDB sectors and more recently led AHDB activity on antimicrobial resistance.

Mr Lloyd takes over at a time when significant progress is being made on the responsible use of antibiotics in UK farming. This includes a record low in antibiotic sales to the farming industry and the publishing of a set of demanding targets to further reduce, refine or replace antibiotic use.

Mr Fitzgerald said that he is pleased to have seen such significant progress in his last 18 months at the helm, and is handing over the reins at an exciting time.
 
“RUMA has transformed from more of an advisory organisation to really driving change across the main livestock sectors in terms of antibiotic use," he said.  "I’m proud to have been involved at this critical time, and pleased to leave at a point when our farming industry has proved a leader in this antibiotic resistance debate."

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.