Passion Of Veterinary Leaders To Improve Their Workplaces Shines Through At VMG Congress
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New formats, speakers and topics support greater sharing and learning
This year’s VMG Congress introduced innovative formats, including ShareSPACE Live, designed to help delegates feel more comfortable sharing their experiences. It also revealed a clear sense of urgency among attendees to improve workplace culture across the veterinary sector. The event highlighted the value of qualified veterinary leaders, with certificates presented to recent graduates of the VMG’s accredited qualifications.
The theme of strong leadership underpinned the keynote address by Victoria Humphries, who described herself as a ‘normal person: mother, business leader and polar explorer’. Drawing parallels between leadership in today’s fast-changing veterinary sector and navigating the North Pole, she said: “The Arctic consists of permanently frozen water, so the ground beneath you is continually moving and shifting. You head north, but never in a straight line.”
During her presidential address, Rebecca Robinson MRCVS called on everyone working in the sector, whether or not they have ‘leader’ in their title, to recognise the role they can play in leading others. At a time of multiple pressures on the veterinary profession, she reminded delegates that, as the saying goes, ‘pressure makes diamonds, and good leaders are diamonds’.
A new feature at this year’s Congress was the first live session of the participant-driven forum ShareSPACE. Running throughout Thursday, it hosted discussions on 15 topics selected by delegates on the day. Several attendees reported to VMG Learning and Development Manager Amy Martin that the relaxed and informal setting enabled conversations that would not otherwise have taken place.
Other highlights included the presentation of the VMG’s accredited qualifications – the VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management – to 15 students.
Two CVLM students, Bethan Gray and Brooke Paul, were selected by the VMG Congress Committee to present at the event. Bethan Gray, from IVC Evidensia, spoke on sustainable veterinary retention, while Brooke Paul, from James Street Veterinary Clinic in Louth, Lincolnshire, explored how practices can build ‘local love’ and become the most recognised veterinary practice in their community.
VMG Director Helen Mason, whose session ‘The People-pleaser’s Guide to Leading Teams’ was standing room only, said: “Our vision was to create a congress rich in interaction, informality and collaboration, and an environment in which everyone felt safe and ready to share their experiences and learn from each other. Without doubt, we achieved this, and we are delighted to have received such positive feedback from delegates, speakers and exhibitors alike.”
VMG President Rebecca Robinson added: “What will stay with me is the buzz and excitement around the introduction of ShareSPACE and the enthusiasm for the new topics and speakers on the programme. What was also very clear was the sense of common purpose among everyone at VMG Congress to play a key role in improving veterinary workplaces.”
She added: “In these challenging times, veterinary leaders need a community that offers them collective strength, knowledge and support. VMG Congress is the perfect place for members to start building the personal relationships, knowledge and networks that will sustain them throughout their careers. We’re already looking forward to VMG Congress 2027.”
VMG Congress, under the theme ‘United in Leadership’, took place from 22 to 24 April 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Next year’s VMG Congress will take place from 21 to 23 April 2027. Super Early Bird tickets are on sale until 31 May 2026. Email [email protected] for further information.
Notes to editors:
The VMG is the professional body for all those in leadership and management roles within the veterinary sector. It provides education, peer support and qualifications, including its accredited VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.
For further information:
Rebecca George, George PR
07974 161108
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