Charlotte Kenton

I graduated from University of Bristol in 2017 and have worked in a variety of small animal first opinion practices across north, west and east Yorkshire since then. Having been born and raised in the north of England, I genuinely understand the Yorkshire and Humber region and am passionate about representing the voices of colleagues who live and work here.

Yorkshire and Humberside is a hugely diverse region which is difficult to condense into a single identity. We are lucky to have thriving multicultural cities, quaint seaside towns, rural dales villages, and everything in between. Our workforce is equally varied and I want every member, clinical and non-clinical alike, to feel represented. This diversity, whilst one our greatest strengths, can leave our new graduates feeling lost and isolated when they come into the profession. Strengthening the Young Vet Network is therefore vital to ensure our newest colleagues feel supported and connected whilst building their career and their home in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Since my graduation, the veterinary landscape has experienced profound change; and the voice of the profession has been heard and acted upon by the BVA every step of the way. Issues such as the CMA investigations, the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the evolving Under Care definition, environmental sustainability, antimicrobial stewardship, and the ongoing workforce impact of BREXIT have all required strong, coherent advocacy by the BVA. I am committed to continuing this representation by gathering the perspective of veterinary professionals across Yorkshire and Humberside and ensuring they are clearly represented at council.

Two areas of the BVA’s work that deeply resonate with me are its commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion; and the development of the Great Workplaces accreditation scheme. As a neurodiverse religious minority with a chronic health condition, I have learned first-hand the importance of creating a profession in which everyone can contribute, belong and thrive. There is a lot of work to be done still in this regard, but the BVA Great Workplaces is an incredible scheme that I believe will make lasting change to improve wellbeing in the profession and therefore drive improved recruitment, retention and empowerment; leading to better long-term sustainability.