New RCVS Knowledge podcast to showcase diversity
The podcast series aims to amplify under-represented voices within the veterinary professions.
Two RCVS presidents feature in the first episode of a new podcast series from RCVS Knowledge.
The series, titled 'For the Record', forms part of new initiatives calling on veterinary professionals to help expand the diversity of the RCVS official archives.
In the first episode, Amanda Boag and Mandisa Greene, the College's eight and ninth female Presidents in its 175-year history, discuss their careers, their journey into RCVS Council, and their views on diversity and representation.
The podcast series aims to amplify under-represented voices within the veterinary professions and form part of the archive to inform future generations.
Lorna Cahill Bannister, an archivist at RCVS Knowledge, who is heading up the initiative, explains: “Our archives hold the official record of the veterinary professions in the UK, but there are huge gaps in the story relating to the contribution and experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic veterinary professionals.
“To address this, we are actively encouraging individuals to get in touch with us to share information and experiences. We are also working in partnership with individuals and organisations, including the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, to ensure that these voices and those of many other historically less well-represented groups, no longer go unheard.”
Amanda Boag, the current Chair of RCVS Knowledge’s Board of Trustees, said: “When I was the President of the RCVS, one of my main priorities was to open up, sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity within the professions.
“RCVS Knowledge understands the importance of providing under-represented individuals with a platform to share their experiences, and I know that this approach will be really valuable for the past, present and future of our professions.”
Mandisa Greene, the current President of the RCVS, said, “I am really happy to see RCVS Knowledge taking the initiative to open up space for people from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and experiences in working in the veterinary professions.
“As the President of the RCVS, I have a platform to lead discussions about the future of our professions, and I strongly encourage others to get involved in this initiative, to keep the conversation going and demonstrate to the younger generations looking up at our professions that their voices will be heard.”
Vets, vet nurses and other allied professionals, from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in the official record, are being encouraged to email archives@rcvsknowledge.org with stories about their veterinary careers, or the careers of their friends and families, both past and present.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
