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NOAH welcomes appointment of new AMTRA chair
Michael Seals MBE.

Michael Seals MBE takes up the post on 1 March.

The National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the appointment of Michael Seals MBE as chairman of the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA).

In a statement, NOAH said that it looks forward to continuing its work with the sector to explore the potential to expand and leverage the knowledge of SQPs to help improve the health and welfare of animals. 

Mr Seals will take up the post on 1 March, taking over from Phil Sketchley, who is stepping down after 21 years’ service as a board member. 

A livestock and arable farmer, Mr Seals brings with him a wealth of experience in government, industry and consumer groups. He was appointed to Defra as chair of the Animal Health & Welfare Board England in 2011 and led the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

NOAH chair Caitrina Oakes commented: “NOAH fully supports the current classification and distribution routes for animal health products for farm livestock, equines and companion animals. With the announcement of the new Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for England, now is a critical time to be doing all we can to highlight the importance of prevention of disease to the sustainable production of food from animals in the UK. 

“As we move towards the formal consultation on the Veterinary Medicines Regulation review, we will continue to explain the importance of both the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS routes to the health and welfare of animals, giving broader access to advice, expertise and animal health products and services. Professional advice from SQPs can help ensure responsible use: this includes using the right product at the right time and following all the instructions included with the packaging. 

“We look forward to working with Michael in his new capacity, to further these aims.”

Image (C) AMTRA.

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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.