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BSAVA names new president
David Godfrey has been named president of the BSAVA for 2025-26.

David Godfrey will lead the organisation for 2025-26.

Small animal dermatologist, David Godfrey, has began his role as president of the BSAVA for 2025-26.

David succeeds Julian Hoad - who has become senior vice president - and will continue to focus on BSAVA’s Programme of Change.

An Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology, David holds postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine. 

Together with his wife, Rosie, he started the first feline-only practice in the UK. He is board certified in feline practice and has an RCVS Fellowship in feline osteoarthritis. 

David was pivotal in the establishment of the BSAVA West Midlands Committee and was a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the regions for three years before joining the board and presidential ladder.

At the BSAVA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday (19 June), David said: “The whole of the veterinary profession is lucky to have the strength of the BSAVA. BSAVA has a robust team, and I greatly look forward to working with them.

“It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me. It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”

As well as focusing on BSAVA’s programme of change, David will focus on BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes new products and services. 

Julian Hoad said: "Iam incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as President over the past year. I am proud to call myself a member of the BSAVA. It’s an association that diligently serves and supports so many of our wonderful profession.”

Other changes to the BSAVA board include Niall Connell, who begins his new role as junior vice president. Niall will sit alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the board as Honorary Treasurer.

Image (C) BSAVA.

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.