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Nominations open for AMTRA council representatives
AMTRA is seeking representatives in the RAMA categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice.
The not-for-profit is seeking eight RAMA's to join its board.

Nominations for council representatives on the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) Board have opened.

AMTRA Council advises the board and AMTRA secretariet on various issues affecting Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) and ensures that their voices are represented on the Council.

This year there are eight available seats for council representatives compared to six in previous years. Representatives are elected by Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) to represent those working in the industry. 

Specifically, AMTRA Council is seeking two RAMAs each representing the categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice. The chair of council will also appointing a further four representatives to ensure that all voices and areas of the industry are covered.

John Blackwell, AMTRA vice-chair and AMTRA council chair, commented: “The inclusion of RAMAs who are working ‘on the front line’ is, for me, crucial in formulating strategy and policy, bringing current ideas to the table and helping the Council make good decisions.”

“It’s important that all areas of our industry are represented, and by further increasing the number of RAMAs on council, we are gold-plating and increasing the breadth and depth of the council." 

He added: “We encourage an open flow of communication, in both directions, but there’s scope to make of the role whatever you wish, and RAMAs may have some ideas we haven't thought of,” he adds.

Board members will be required to attend four Zoom meetings per year and to contribute to these in a meaningful way. Representatives may also be required to respond to occasional emails or correspondence from AMTRA staff on various topics.

Nominations should be emailed to stephen@amtra.org.uk with a 250-word explanation to fellow RAMAs about why they believe they are suitable for the role. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2022. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.