Mark Little

As Regional Representative, my priority is to ensure that the voices of our members are heard and reflected in BVA’s work. I will bring strategic thinking, collaboration, and a proven track record of influencing policy to represent our region effectively.

Listening and Representing Members

I will actively gather views from colleagues across the region through open communication channels and engagement with territorial divisions. During my time as NIVA and BVA Northern Ireland Branch President, I consistently ensured members were informed and consulted on critical issues such as Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol. This experience has taught me the importance of clear, two-way communication to build trust and ensure members’ concerns shape policy.

Influencing Policy and Driving Change

Our profession faces complex challenges, and I am committed to providing an informed steer on policy development. My leadership in securing an extension to the Northern Ireland Protocol Grace Period, protecting access to veterinary medicines, demonstrates my ability to navigate legislative complexity and deliver tangible outcomes for animal health and welfare. I will apply this same strategic approach to the future of the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland and shaping BVA’s lobbying priorities.

Collaboration

I believe collaboration is key to progress. I have worked with stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally, including DEFRA, the Cabinet Office, and European veterinary associations, to safeguard veterinary medicine supply. These efforts strengthened cross-border relationships and ensured Northern Ireland’s voice was heard at every level. As Regional Representative, I will foster inclusivity and ensure all members feel empowered to contribute, regardless of background or circumstance.

Commitment

I will prepare thoroughly for meetings, contribute actively to discussions, and uphold BVA’s values at all times. My decade of voluntary service on NIVA and BVA councils, combined with experience influencing policy at Westminster and in Europe, reflects my dedication to the profession. I am motivated by a deep commitment to improving animal health and supporting veterinary professionals, and I will bring that same energy and integrity to this role.

I will work tirelessly to ensure Northern Ireland is both represented and remains a strong voice in shaping veterinary policy

Robert Huey

I was born in Cookstown Co. Tyrone N. Ireland in 1959, the son of a government vet, and have lived and worked in Northern Ireland all my life. 

Have been a BVA member my entire professional life and involved in the political representation of the profession in various roles since 1994. I served as a BVA Council Member 2001 – 2012, initially as the NIVA representative, then the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) representative and finally for a period as BVA representative at the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE).  I have also served as a member of the BVA’s Membership Services Group 2000-2003 and of the Nominations and Awards Group. 

Over the years since then, I have kept myself appraised of current issues effecting the profession and as CVO for NI between 2013 – 2024, maintained a close working relationship with all of the profession’s representatives.  I was a Council member of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) 1994 to 2024,  Honorary Secretary 1994-1997 and President 2002.

I am experienced in representing the views of members of our profession through having been a Council member of the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) 1988-2000 and President 1999,  Vice-president, Treasurer and Board Member of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) 2011-2014 and Board Member 1995-2007 of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists, Honorary Secretary 1995-1999, and President 2003-2007.

I chaired of the FVE Working Group on welfare of animals at slaughter, 2005-2009 and the FVE Working Group on food hygiene, 2003-2007 & 2011-2014.

I continue to serve my profession through participation in 15 European Association of Veterinary Educational Establishments (EAEVE) evaluations of European Veterinary faculties as food hygiene and safety expert, with the last five being as chair-person - most recent Munich, South Japan, Madrid, Turin, Lisbon,Paris and Al Ain in the UAE.

Through these roles, and my working life experience as a veterinary practitioner for five years working in a very mixed practice in Northern Ireland, and then as a government veterinarian, I have a wide range of experience and expertise is animal health, animal welfare and public health, which includes not only as a practitioner but also as a senior civil servant, working directly with ministers, public representatives and colleagues to design strategies and policies to meet the expectations and wishes of industry and elected representatives.

I have extensive experience of managing strategy, policy and delivery through crisis, both animal and public health.  I was also in the lead for animal health, public health, animal welfare and trade during Covid and the political repercussions for Northern Ireland of the UK decision to leave the EU.

Through my life and work experience, I have developed an understanding of the importance of recognising the equality, equity, diversity and inclusion of all colleagues regardless of the role or rank and as Chief Veterinary Officer, responsible for over 700 staff I was committed to ensuring that all my colleagues had equal opportunity to contribute to our work.