The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling for nominations for its 2019-20 junior vice president.
The officer position is open to all BVA member vets who believe that they (or their nomination) is a strong, talented member of the profession who can contribute and represent ‘the voice of the veterinary profession’.
This year, in order to ensure that the nomination covers as broad a range of veterinary expertise as possible, BVA would welcome applications from veterinary surgeons with a range of professional backgrounds and experience.
What’s involved?
Nominations for the next junior vice president are confidential and will be assessed by the BVA Electoral College, which assesses nominations and formally selects members for election to officer status.
The role of junior vice president involves being a brand ambassador for BVA, using their expertise to provide veterinary and political advice and working closely with the chief executive and policy and media team.
Each officer role (junior vice president, president, senior vice president) is for a one-year term from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September to the AGM the following September.
Candidates for the new junior vice president and president must be elected by the membership at the AGM to serve the coming year.
The total commitment is, therefore, three years as an officer, plus a further three years serving as a past president on BVA Council (four meetings per year).
Current junior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “I had been involved with BVA on their Ethics and Welfare Panel and was amazed by the work they did to represent the whole of the veterinary profession.
“I decided to apply this time last year, as I wanted to give something back and felt I could be the voice of the general practitioner at BVA.
“I can honestly say it is the best decision I have made, and it has so far been the highlight of my career. I work with an incredible team of people and get to meet amazing vets along the way.
Never did I ever think when I graduated I would be lobbying Government, be involved in policy development, and working with large parts of the profession I would never otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
Members who are interested in applying for, or nominating, for an officer role, can find out more on the BVA officers page.
The closing date for nominations is 9:00am on January 14, 2018.
