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BSAVA appoints 65th president
Pictured: Current president Alison Speakman with outgoing president Sheldon Middleton.

Alison Speakman outlines her key priorities in statement. 

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has announced the appointment of Alison Speakman as its 65th president.

An active member of the BSAVA since 1991, when she graduated from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Alison has been passionate about BSAVA's aims and community for many years.

Throughout her career, Alison has completed a residency in feline medicine at Liverpool University's School of Veterinary Science, and a PhD in canine Bordetella bronchiseptica. She is currently working in small animal practice. 

“I’ve been a passionate member of the BSAVA throughout my career and a volunteer for almost as long,” Alison commented.

“And as a working vet, I know first-hand the value of being part of a professional community: the importance of shared values, educational opportunities, and support shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Alison has outlined her three priorities for the year ahead:

•  deliver ever-more innovative material across the BSAVA’s Education, Congress, and Publications arms

•  develop a wider digital offering so that BSAVA materials are widely available and easily accessible

•  highlight the importance of mental health, stress management, and wellbeing, and develop resources and member benefits to help ensure the safety and happiness of people within the veterinary profession.

“We must remain focussed on the day-to-day challenges veterinary teams face, respond appropriately and at pace, and continue to explore new and effective ways to support our members,” Alison continued. 

Handing Alison the president's baton at the BSAVA AGM on 18 May was Sheldon Middleton, outgoing president of the BSAVA.

Sheldon, who is staying on as senior vice president of the BSAVA to support the organisation, provided calm and stable leadership throughout a challenging time for the profession. 

Commenting on her predecessor, Alison said: “There's no doubt that Sheldon is a hard act to follow but I'm delighted that he continues to support the organisation and I look forward to building upon his achievements of the last 12 months.”

Alison finished her statement by celebrating the profession: “I am enormously proud to be a member of a profession that requires and excels in such a broad set of skills: intellect, knowledge, practical dexterity, compassion, and resilience under pressure – all of which are tested on a daily basis!

“There is no other profession like it and to be President of an association which represents such people is overwhelming.”

 

Image (C) BSAVA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."