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My relationship with ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ started as a student 35 years ago. Initially I joined for the practical benefits but, as a recent graduate missing the camaraderie of my peers, I soon twigged the real benefit is the strength of community and the sense of belonging that accompany membership.

Knowing one is part of an organisation that is both a vocal advocate for animal welfare and a passionate, inclusive ally of Team Vet in all its broad and colourful diversity, is so important. The social events happen to be fun too! 

Throughout many changes and challenges in my professional and personal life, I’ve felt lucky to have had ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ as a constant. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ kept me in touch during tricky times, ensuring I was up-to-date and feeling relevant still to the profession.

We’re witnessing a burgeoning number of challenges and opportunities in the most fast-paced period of change I’ve seen during my multi-decade career. New technical, digital, clinical, political, climatological and legislative events are taking place almost daily. ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s strength and its ability to be the voice of the profession in all these matters comes from having a large membership base who engage with ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ, be that through the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ divisions, devolved branches or directly with the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ team.

In the few weeks since becoming JVP, I have been ever more impressed with, and humbled by, the volume, skills and quality of work that the ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ team does for its members via stakeholder engagement, political discussions, media messaging, member services and so much more. But they need your input!

I’m particularly keen to champion initiatives such as Good Veterinary Workplaces but I know that every member will have different priorities and different ideas about how ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ can best support them and the wider profession too. That’s why we’re currently asking all of our members to complete a survey to help ensure that we continue to provide what our members want and need. These surveys only happen every four years and they’re a great chance to help shape ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ and the wider profession - don’t miss the chance to have your say. Don’t forget to share the benefits of ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ membership to other colleagues too!

Have your say on the future of ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ

They survey is open until Monday 17 October and every member who completes it has the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a top prize of a ticket to this year’s London Vet Show (worth £598) and a £50 John Lewis or M&S e-voucher. There are four additional prizes of a £50 John Lewis or M&S e-vouchers.

Every ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ member should have received an email with a unique link to click through to the survey. If members haven’t received an email, contact [email protected].