"It is more important than ever that our members have robust representation at the highest level within BVA." James Russell.

Members urged to elect a 'strong voice for vets in their region'

Voting has now opened to elect four new regional representatives who will represent the views of veterinary professionals in their area to the BVA Council.

According to BVA, regional representatives are 'integral' to the activities of the council, helping to assess veterinary policy and informing the actions of BVA's Policy Committee. Regional representatives serve on BVA Council for a three-year term.

The nominees for each region are:

• South east: Eleanor Duffy, Paul Horwood, Fieke Molenaar and Christina Ratcliffe
• East of England: Louise Rayment-Dyble and Johanna Sharples
• North west: Ben Dustan, Kate Higgins, Neil Howie and Vanessa Whitfield
• Scotland: Emma Callaghan, Matthew Erskine, Bobby Kirby, and James Wallace.

James Russell, BVA president said: “With an increasingly complex veterinary landscape and a year marked by huge challenges to the profession, it is more important than ever that our members have robust representation at the highest level within BVA.

“I’d encourage everyone who’s eligible to vote to take this opportunity to elect a candidate who can be a strong voice for vets in their region.”

BVA members will in the four regions will receive voting instructions via email from UK Engage, which is administering the election on behalf of BVA.

Voting closes at 5.00pm on 15 February. Candidate biographies and voting instructions can be viewed on the BVA website.