Working as a vet in the UK
If you want to work in the UK the BVA can help to make your working life that little bit easier and help ensure you quickly feel part of the UK veterinary profession.
What is the British Veterinary Association?
The BVA is the national representative body for the veterinary profession with approximately 11,000 members.
What does the BVA do?
• Offer support to our members in their professional and personal lives by providing a number of services and benefits through our membership package.
• Promotes and supports the interests of our members and help to represent the profession to the government and media.
Why become a member?
• Support and guidance is offered to our members and a range of services
• Great networking opportunities are available through events such as our annual congress
• Extra support is available for new graduates
What is the difference between the RCVS and the BVA?
RCVS
The RCVS is the statutory body set up to administer the Veterinary Surgeons Act and is responsible for the registration, education and discipline of the profession. A person must be a member of the RCVS before he/she can practise veterinary surgery and medicine in the UK.
BVA
The BVA is a professional organisation to which veterinarians belong on a voluntary basis. With approximately 11,000 members, the BVA has developed since it was founded in 1882 to become the acknowledged representative body of the British veterinary profession at home and overseas.
Advice, Benefits and Services
• Advice and information is available from the BVA on any veterinary-related issues including:
- writing application letters;
- preparing your CV;
- looking for a job;
- interview preparation;
- communication skills with your client and colleagues;
• Unlimited access to a 24-hour legal advice line on any professional or personal issue, including your contract of employment;
• Three regular publications: The Veterinary Record, In Practice and Off the Record are produced by the BVA and are sent directly to you as soon as you join. They will help you to keep in touch with key veterinary issues, including; the latest techniques, issues that affect UK practice life, political, research and other UK and overseas veterinary news;
• Full access to our two websites www.bva.co.uk and www.bvapublications.com where you can view veterinary jobs, CPD events, the latest information on veterinary issues and much more;
• Exclusive member discounts on:
- Insurance,
- Financial advice,
- Private health care
- Worldwide travel;
• Additional support for new graduates – up to eight years qualified:
- Regional meetings with other graduates,
- A comprehensive handbook offering advice about getting started in the profession
- An online support network;
• Large discounts on books and other veterinary products.
For further information on becoming a member or to find out more about the BVA and our activities please visit www.bva.co.uk or contact the BVA at:
British Veterinary Association, 7 Mansfield Street, London,W1G 9NQ
Tel: 020 7636 6541 Email: bvahq@bva.co.uk Web: www.bva.co.uk