Today sees the launch of the Veterinary Schools Council, a new body representing the interests of seven UK schools of veterinary education.
Through its membership, comprising the heads of these veterinary schools, the Council will be an authoritative voice on matters relating to veterinary education, from the selection and training of those who will be the future of the veterinary clinical profession to the academic researchers who are so important to the health of both the UK’s animal and human populations.
Today’s launch event at the House of Lords, kindly sponsored by Professor the Lord Trees, sees speakers Professor Sir Peter Rubin, Chair of the General Medical Council and representing the Medical Schools Council, and John Williams of the Wellcome Trust, discuss the importance of veterinary education to the health of the nation. Attendance from key organisations and institutions across the areas of veterinary education and research, as well as regulatory bodies, animal health charities and organisations that represent the veterinary profession, shows the strong links that the Veterinary Schools Council has and will continue to build on.
The Chair of the Veterinary Schools Council, Professor Gary England, says: ‘UK veterinary schools are among the best in the world, with so much to give to wider society. We want to make people aware of their culture of excellence and see it develop further through our strategic focus of promoting innovative education and collaboration, facilitating the underpinning science and political engagement, and monitoring data and best practice.
‘The work of vets cuts across many different sectors and the work of the Veterinary Schools Council will equally involve many different areas, from government to research institutes. We look forward to working with colleagues across these areas and we know that our values of championing diversity while maintaining collaboration and constructive advocacy will lead to new and exciting directions for veterinary education.’
Today also sees the launch of the Veterinary Schools Council website, where you can learn more about the Council’s aims and veterinary education more broadly.
www.vetschoolscouncil.ac.uk
Posted on Wednesday 5th November 2014