Our strategic objectives

In this section you can find out more about our 2011-2015 objectives at the British Veterinary Association (BVA)

These strategic objectives underpin the goals and define areas where the Association can target resources to drive the Association forward.  Tactical objectives for achieving the goals will be developed and determined on an annual basis.

Determine and represent the views of the majority of UK veterinary professionals on matters of veterinary policy, ethics and animal welfare

  • Develop policies and position statements on relevant topics through the membership, relevant committees and Council
  • Engage the membership in veterinary policy and promote the outputs
  • Utilise the committee and council structure to ensure BVA is a leading voice in animal welfare debates
  • Promulgate views and outputs through all available communication channels

Be the first source of informed opinion on veterinary issues for government, veterinary surgeons, the media and the public in the UK

  • Maintain constructive dialogue with government, the devolved administrations, politicians, civil servants, appropriate Executive Agencies and the European Commission and Parliament through FVE
  • Protect BVA`s position as the representative body for veterinary surgeons
  • Strengthen representation in Europe through the FVE and UKCG
  • Maintain an effective register of Honorary Associates and brief them appropriately
  • Promote policy outputs of the BVA through the media, websites, journals and membership
  • Keep stakeholders informed of BVA outputs and make representations to external organisations

Engage fully with individual members and divisions to speak with one voice

  • Encourage and facilitate the participation of all members in policy development
  • Ensure active participation on BVA council through the regional grass roots structure
  • Engage BVA divisions in consultation responses and PR related activity

Be the leading provider of veterinary news and information, including clinical and scientific developments to the membership and the wider veterinary community

  • Continue to develop the BVA journals to maintain and increase their scientific relevance and high quality clinical information
  • Provide rapid access to news and informed opinion
  • Maintain the journal`s position as an authoritative information source in the UK and the English speaking world

Develop services that members value

  • Identify services and benefits of interest to individual members and develop appropriate marketing channels
  • Respond to members needs and develop resources on all topics to assist them in their professional lives
  • Maintain and develop a legal, mediation and representation package for members
  • Identify how BVA, and its divisions, might help members fulfil their continuous professional development requirements
  • Continue to develop the BVA website/s and online solutions for membership engagement

Grow the membership to continue to be the leading UK veterinary professional body

  • Work towards full student membership
  • Maintain a support network for recent graduates
  • Engage with senior members
  • Attract non members
  • Attract overseas graduates working in the UK to BVA membership
  • Continue to refine membership models
  • Meet the needs of the membership demographic

Ensure adequate resources are in place for current and future needs in delivering the objectives

  • Set and review reserve targets for the Association
  • Establish the mechanism for new revenue raising opportunities
  • Address the potential for change in traditional income streams
  • Ensure the BVA infrastructure evolves to support the needs of members and organisational goals