British Veterinary Association launches new strategic plan with a theme of People, Animals and Planet
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has unveiled its latest three-year strategic plan setting out how it will deliver on its long-term goals and support the profession. It includes three new over-arching themes – People, Animals, Planet; a One Health approach, which has never been more pressing than in this time of climate emergency.
The new plan, which has been developed through consultation with the Association’s Council, staff and Board, maps BVA’s vision, mission and revised organisational values: Leading, Evidence-based, Proactive and Inclusive.
Key activities are outlined under four strategic aims:
Leadership and influence
BVA will continue to champion vets and ensure that members’ voices are heard on the big issues facing the sector. Whether tackling emerging issues such as the recent XL Bully ban or the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review into veterinary services, lobbying Government on key priorities such as the urgent need for new legislation to replace the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, or campaigning on the most pressing animal welfare problems, BVA will ensure that the veterinary voice is heard.
Member support and benefits
From providing more access to both online and in-person CPD and growing its extensive range of member resources, to developing a workplace accreditation scheme and promoting BVA employment guides and legal helpline, BVA will ensure its members are supported in the most effective way.
Community and member engagement
The Association will continue to develop how it engages with members and the wider veterinary community, including through its flagship events BVA Live and BVA Congress at London Vet Show, helping to build 'a profession for everyone', and support members at every career stage.
Learning and career development
BVA’s flagship journals provide valuable CPD to members. The strategic plan outlines how BVA will develop its digital offering in support of this, exploring opportunities around podcasts and webinars. BVA will also continue to develop in-person events such as the careers streams at BVA Live and London Vet Show, and careers support and recruitment opportunities through Vet Record Careers.
British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said: “This new strategic plan demonstrates BVA’s unswerving commitment to supporting, representing and championing us as vets, by speaking up and driving change on the issues we care about which impact the profession, and providing support to help ensure we are valued and fulfilled in our workplaces. BVA supports every vet: whatever career stage you are at or sector or specialism you work in, whether you’re in clinical practice or a non-clinical role, a new graduate or a practice owner, get in touch to find out more about how BVA can support you.”
British Veterinary Association Chief Executive David Calpin said: “Vet teams face challenges on many fronts, from the Competition and Markets Authority review to the XL Bully ban, through to emerging diseases and ongoing workforce pressures. The profession needs a strong BVA now more than ever and our new strategic plan underpins our work to champion vet teams, ensuring our members’ voice is heard on the issues that matter most to them.”
Find the BVA Strategic Plan 2024–26 at: www.bva.co.uk/strategic-plan
To find out more about BVA membership, visit: www.bva.co.uk/join
