BVA marks 10 years of Voice survey
“I see the value and impact of the survey responses daily as a BVA officer” – Anna Judson.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is celebrating ten years of its Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
The BVA launched the survey in 2014 to allow members to have their say about the topics affecting the profession and share their experiences. The responses help to shape the BVA’s work and provide data that the association can share when campaigning or raising awareness about veterinary issues.
In the ten years since it began, the survey has gathered data from veterinary surgeons concerning a wide range of major issues, including antimicrobial resistance, health issues in brachycephalic dogs, and ear cropping.
In 2018, responses from the survey helped highlight issues around staff retention when the BVA produced a report on the topic with the University of Exeter. The survey also played a crucial role in providing information about abusive behaviour towards veterinary teams for the BVA’s #RespectYourVetTeam campaign in 2020.
Since 2014, the veterinary profession has had to respond to a number of events that have had the potential to change the sector. The survey allowed veterinary surgeons to have their say about the outcome of the Brexit referendum in 2016 and the Competition and Markets Authority’s review this year.
Anna Judson, BVA president, said: “I see the value and impact of the survey responses daily as a BVA officer, and regularly refer to the statistics in media and wider lobbying and engagement work.
“From concerns around disease risk and animal welfare, through to veterinary workplace culture and workforce retention issues, Voice continues to deliver insightful data, raising the profile of vets and their work in media; driving legislative reform; and shaping the profession.”
New surveys are sent out three or four times a year. This year's spring survey closes at 10am on Monday, 29 April.
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
