New VMG president calls for support for next generation
Liz Somerville spoke of the VMG's ambition of transforming the profession in the next five years.
The new president of the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has said that the future generation of veterinary leaders will be the focus of her presidential year.
In her first speech as president at VMG Congress 2024, Liz Somerville reflected on the profession’s ‘turbulent times’, expressing the need for skilled and effective leaders.
She said that the group will work to support and encourage new leaders, ensuring that they have the encouragement they need.
She spoke of VMG’s ambition of transforming the veterinary leadership profession over the next five years. Mrs Somerville said that it would work alongside colleagues from across the sector in shaping the profession’s future.
Liz Somerville was named as president at the group’s annual congress, which took place from 25 April- 26 April.
Mrs Somerville is the owner and founding director of Loch Leven Equine Practice, in Scotland. She says she is passionate about practice leadership, and holds an interest in team wellbeing and a supportive practice culture.
The 2024 Congress also saw the release of the VMG’s inaugural report on the State of UK Veterinary Leadership. The report found that 34 per cent of current leaders thought their skills were basic, with 92 per cent of ‘starting or aspiring’ leaders feeling the same.
Also at the congress was the presentation of certificates to graduates of its Level 5 Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management (CVLM). Recipients of the qualification, which focuses on real-world relevance, included five of its first Diploma holders.
In her speech, Mrs Somerville said: “I’d like to thank Miles Russell for his exemplary leadership during the last year and I’m honoured and excited to be the VMG’s next president.”
She added: “During my presidential year, I’ll be focusing on how, as a profession, we can identify and nurture the next generation of veterinary leaders, ensuring they have the support and development in place to help them reach their full potential.”
The next congress is scheduled to take place 24-25 April 2025 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Image © VMG
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
