Incoming RCVS president Niall Connell was among the 12 inspiring leaders showcased at Royal College Day 2019.

RCVS celebrates individuals from across the veterinary profession

Twelve inspiring leaders from across the veterinary profession were showcased at Royal College Day 2019.

In her final speech as RCVS president, Amanda Boag unveiled a video featuring interviews with the 12 leaders, including incoming RCVS President Niall Connell and VN Council member Matthew Rendle.

The videos aimed to reflect the strong emphasis that Amanda has put on the need for all members of the veterinary team to develop everyday leadership skills, as part of the RCVS Leadership Initiative, during her presidential year.

“Vet professionals are almost invariably all leaders, but we are not always good at recognising and promoting this,” said Amanda. “The RCVS wants to celebrate leaders from across the vet and vet nursing professions, including both those leading every day in their workplaces, as well as those in traditional leadership roles.
 
“In our selection of these 12 veterinary leaders, we have shown that leadership is not something that belongs only to those who are senior, or those who wear a fancy chain of office around their neck. We believe leadership is something that is ongoing, and something that can be demonstrated at any stage of a career.”

She continued: “We want young vets to know what good leadership looks like, and have the confidence to call things out when they are not right. Vets and vet nurses care a great deal about what they do, and this is the time for us to stand up, value ourselves, and tell ourselves and others that we can all lead in important ways.”

The 12 individuals who were showcased at Royal College Day were:

• Sarah Colegrave, a clinical director of a small animal practice in King’s Lynn who uses leadership to develop her team’s talents;
• Professor Liz Mossop, deputy vice-chancellor for student development and engagement at the University of Lincoln who talks about the importance of mentoring;
• Incoming RCVS President Niall Connell, who talks about how a life-changing illness has led him towards leadership roles;
• Gemma Irwin-Porter, who leads a team of tutors providing pastoral care for student veterinary nurses at the University of Bristol;
• Hatti Smart, a student veterinary surgeon who is playing a leadership role in the veterinary LGBT+ community;
• VN Council member Matthew Rendle, who talks about the importance of everyday kindness in leading others;
• Sam Joseph from StreetVet, who talks about how the plight of the homeless and their animals led to the foundation of the life-changing programme;
• University of Nottingham PhD student Bobby Hyde who talks about the importance of good communication, even when it comes to complex topics;
• Richard Artingstall, clinical director at a Gloucestershire referral centre, who talks about the links between leading a practice, and hands-on clinical work;
• Victoria Fyfe, a veterinary nurse based near Durham who leads and inspires her practice team to engage with the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme;
• Professor Joanna Price, vice-chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University talks about the importance of vision and strategy in leadership; and,
• Ross Allan, a partner at a Glasgow-based veterinary hospital focuses on how vets can take the lead in controlling their destinies.

Image (C) RCVS