New BVA Teams For Scotland And Wales

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) Branches in Scotland and Wales have elected Ronnie Soutar and Rob Davies as their new Presidents. As part of the network of regional and specialist divisions the branches contribute local knowledge and expertise into the wider lobbying and representational activities of the BVA. Lively and active branches are vital to BVA’s efforts in the devolved governments to progress a range of issues including welfare at slaughter, dog control and disease control. In their roles as Branch Presidents both Ronnie and Rob will promote the views of the veterinary profession to parliamentarians and media for two years. BVA Branches bring together representatives from all sectors of the veterinary profession, from practice, academia, research and government. Ronnie Soutar, who is an independent consultant in aquaculture and veterinary business development, was elected President of the BVA Scottish Branch at its AGM at the end of June. He said: “It is a genuine honour to take over the presidency of Scottish Branch, which has been taking an increasingly prominent role recently. The changing political scene in Scotland makes this a fascinating and important time for the profession here and I’m very glad to help our voice be heard. I will be working with the BVA officers and staff on ways in which we can further increase Scottish membership and more effectively gather the views of our members.” Rob Davies who works as veterinary officer for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency became President of the BVA Welsh Branch at its AGM at the beginning of July. He said: “In the two years since it has been established, Welsh Branch has been very successful in raising the profession’s profile within Wales, particularly with the Welsh Government. It is a great honour for me personally to be President at this exciting time for devolution and veterinary matters, and I look forward to being truly representative of all our members. “There’s a great team on Welsh Branch Council, supported by the very able and professional Mansfield Street staff, so please, members in Wales, tell your representatives what you think about issues of the day. Look out for postings on the Wales Forum in the BVA Community and let me know what you think. And of course feel free to raise veterinary matters of concern which impact on you, your clients, and especially on the health and welfare of animals.” Congratulating them both on their election BVA President Peter Jones said: “With animal health and welfare being dealt with individually in each of the devolved nations our branches are not only invaluable for the different areas of expertise they bring to the table but they also play a hugely important role when it comes to influencing politicians. “In Ronnie we have a well-respected colleague who has been very effective as a member of the Scottish Branch as well as within BVA’s Veterinary Policy Group. It is fantastic to have him at the helm in Scotland and I have no doubt he will carry on the excellent work of his predecessor in being an advocate for the profession in Scotland on topics as diverse as disease surveillance, pet animal welfare and veterinary medicines. “In my native Wales I am greatly looking forward to working with Rob. I’ve no doubt that he will continue the work of his predecessor who reignited veterinary politics in Wales. I know Rob will be a tremendous advocate for the profession in Wales and I wish him the very best for a successful presidency.”

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