Incoming VMG President To Champion Non-clinical Skills For Whole Practice Team
7 months ago 
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Rebecca Robinson pledges focus on leadership, management, and communication
The new President of the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), Rebecca Robinson VetMB MRCVS, has pledged to champion the development of non-clinical skills across all roles within veterinary practice during her year in office.
Speaking at the VMG’s Annual Congress in Stratford-upon-Avon (24–25 April), Ms Robinson highlighted the transformational impact that training in leadership, management and communication can have on veterinary teams, telling delegates she’d seen team members - regardless of their role - grow in confidence, enhance productivity, and achieve better work-life balance when equipped with the right tools for personal development.
With more than two decades of experience in clinical practice and leadership, Rebecca is a Platinum Academy Consultant and Lead Coach on the Vet Graduate Academy at Vet Dynamics.
This year’s Congress saw the launch of the VMG’s latest State of UK Veterinary Leadership report. The findings showed that 92% of those newly promoted to leadership roles rated their own leadership skills as ‘basic’. Almost half of all respondents (47%) described their competence as ‘intermediate’, with just 2% considering themselves ‘expert’.
In addition to the packed educational programme, VMG Congress featured its unique ‘walk and talk’ session along the banks of the River Avon, providing space for informal networking and reflection. Delegates also celebrated the achievements of recent graduates of the VMG Level 5 Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management (CVLM) - a modular, ILM-accredited qualification designed for flexibility, accessibility, and real-world relevance.
During her inaugural address, Rebecca Robinson said: “There is a wealth of evidence showing that emotional intelligence is a stronger predictor of success than academic intelligence. Yet in our profession, non-clinical skills can be overlooked. This must change.
“If we want veterinary teams to truly thrive - individually and collectively - we must prioritise personal leadership development. The benefits are clear: stronger teams, healthier businesses, and ultimately, better care for our patients. I will be working with my fellow VMG directors this year to drive this message home and to support our members – and others in the sector – to develop their own non-clinical skills and those of their teams.”
As the professional body for all those in leadership and management roles within the veterinary sector, the VMG provides education, peer support and accredited qualifications, including its VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.
ENDS
For media enquiries:
Rebecca George, George PR
Tel/WhatsApp: 07974 161108
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