Insights on being BVA Northern Ireland Branch Representative

It is hard to believe that my three years as BVA NI Branch Representative are coming to an end and what an interesting journey it has been. It’s hard to highlight the best bits as I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of topics which have either been top priorities for the profession or have offered a learning opportunity. However, here are some of my personal highlights.

Brexit

Without a doubt one of the greatest challenges for the branch has been the heavy involvement required both pre and post Brexit on all matters likely to impact on the veterinary profession in NI. Thanks to Zoom we were able to keep going through the Covid pandemic; inputting on a vast range of measures including import and export certification; pet passports; availability of veterinary medicines etc. These detailed discussions which are still ongoing mean that we were able to represent the unique position of the veterinary profession in NI especially as we remain in the single market. 

Increasing our visibility

As BVA Representative I have been able to participate in events, making BVA NI much more visible to stakeholders and the membership. I was delighted to work alongside my colleagues as Branch Council members, with people stepping up and volunteering to represent their corners of the profession. Our voice is so much stronger and influential due to our diverse representation from across the veterinary profession.

Learning about the influence and importance of the media

There have been several high-profile issues of political and strategic importance to BVA and its members. As NI representative I was asked to discuss and comment across a wide variety of issues.  Although animal welfare is always at the forefront, I learned that when inputting to the media we are dealing with political, social, economic, and cultural sensitivities as well.  Our aim in the media is always to support animal welfare and promote what matters to our BVA members. I have been struck by how much BVA has helped to get the messages that matter most out to the media. Issues covered were as diverse as climate change, sustainability, TB strategy, the badger cull, Brexit, pet passports, bird flu and supply of veterinary medicine.

Animal Welfare

Like all veterinary surgeons I am passionate about animal welfare. It was therefore a genuine privilege as well as a tremendous responsibility to maximise the opportunity this role affords to advance the cause of good animal welfare. Therefore, I am thankful for the opportunities I have had to discuss with policy makers, MLAs, and many other stakeholder’s issues of vital importance to the animals in our care. For example, we were able to feed into future farming policy in Northern Ireland and for me personally advancing the cause of Farrier regulation / legislation in NI has been so rewarding.

The NI Branch Council and its officers

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work on BVA Council, representing Northern Ireland. It has given me the opportunity to meet with, work with and learn from colleagues across the wider profession and shape issues affecting veterinary surgeons, the profession and animal welfare. It has been a challenging time for us all, in which Brexit and the pandemic have dominated, but I have loved working alongside BVA council members, its officers and BVA staff. The officers in the regional branch are second to none and are so supportive. For anyone with an interest in strategic issues and the future of the profession I would encourage you to stand as a regional rep for NI. You can certainly be assured of the support of your colleagues and the team here.

Current vacancies

If you're interested in applying to become a regional representative, we’re looking for members based in:

• North-East
• Yorkshire & Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• London
• Northern Ireland
• Wales

Find out more and apply by 28 November.