I have always believed that, being a member of a profession – or a club, that one should get involved. I have, since being newly qualified, been a member of the vet’s “trade union”, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and the group for those interested in pet animals, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). Some years ago I was Secretary, and then Chairman of the SW branch of BSAVA. Another important body is the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), which has a particular interest in the business side of veterinary practice. For about 12 years I was a member of SPVS Council, including being an officer. In 1999/ 2000 I had the honour of being President of SPVS.

In 1996 I became an elected member of the Council our governing body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and was delighted in April to be re-elected for a third four year term. Here I serve on the educational Committee, whose job it is to ensure that the veterinary schools educate our young people properly. I also serve on the Disciplinary Committee. This body hears cases referred to it by the Preliminary Investigation Committee, and it is our job to decide whether the allegations are proven, or not. Should they be proved, we must then decide whether the offence is “disgraceful in a professional respect”. If so, then we have a range of sanctions open to us. Sadly, it occasionally necessary to strike off the name of a colleague from the Veterinary Register.This means that they can no longer practise as a vet – not something that is done lightly. A “lay” member, that is someone who is not a vet, chairs the Disciplinary Committee and at least one other committee member is also a lay person, who may be a Member of Parliament. This helps to ensure impartiality and a proper handling of the case.