The Role of the BVNA Council Member
One of the questions frequently asked of the BVNA Office and Council team is 'What does being a BVNA Council member involve?'.
Within this section, you can find out a little more about the election process and how to become a BVNA Council member and also in the words of a Council member, who was elected onto Council in October 2003, a few words about her views prior to becoming a Council member and her experiences since then.
What does being a BVNA Council Member involve?
The key responsibilities for BVNA Council members are to represent the views of their members, represent the professionalism of the Association and be part of the decision making process on behalf of the Association.
This key role enables individuals to play a key role in the future of their own profession. Commitments include:-
- Attending Council meetings held at the BVNA Office on Saturday mornings approximately every six to eight weeks
- Undertaking one or more roles on behalf of BVNA Council including Internet or Publications Observer, Regional Coordinator Team Leader, VNJ Shadow Reporter etc
- Preparation of papers for the Council meeting
- At least weekly contact via email
- Attending meetings with other professional bodies
- Reviewing courses and books
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Think you would like to know more? If you are, like me, a VN who genuinely cares about the future of your profession and want to really play an active part in forming the role of the VN then why not consider standing for BVNA council. I didn't really know what to expect from the council, to be honest I thought it would be a very 'clicky' group, a few tea and biscuit mornings, to discuss CPD meetings and which colour to make the BVNA sweatshirt for this season. I had no idea!!!! I have attended BVNA congress and seen the council members with their green ribbons that seem unapproachable to an 'ordinary' VN, how could I possibly think I have anything to offer, except I do want to make a difference. I stood for council and was surprised and pleased to be elected. The roles of a council member vary, we all have a specific job to do, which can vary in time and attention. We have councilors who keep an eye on the internet, and others that watch the veterinary publications, one council member is the VNJ editor, we have a RCO coordinator, a web-site developer. BVNA Councilors also represent the VN in many official veterinary meetings along with other veterinary organisations; all of the council members know what its like to work in a variety of practices because we all do. We meet at the BVNA office about 7 times a year and keep in almost daily contact by e-mail. I think the thing that has surprised me the most is the sheer volume of the task of speaking out for and representing the VN. I can honestly say since my time on council I have been overawed by the hard work, determination, and pride the BVNA councilors take in doing their job, and doing it well. I am very proud to have been a BVNA councilor, I am proud to know that I have made a difference to my very worthy profession; I have also been lucky enough to have made some good friends whilst doing it. So if you, like me, want to make a difference then what are you waiting for? Lisa Cooper VN BVNA Council Member |
The Election Process
The following postal voting process is implemented each year by BVNA in order to ask BVNA full members to appoint new BVNA Council members.
- In April of each year, all full BVNA members are contacted and asked to nominate any full BVNA members they would like to stand for nomination onto the BVNA Council. The deadline to return the nomination forms to the BVNA Office is by 30th April. Click here for nomination form (PDF)
- In May, all nominees are checked to ensure they are full members and during May/June, all nominees are informed that they have been nominated and asked if they could confirm whether they are willing to stand.
- All nominees who are willing to stand have to provide a photograph, details of their CV, and a manifesto. These details are then printed in the Veterinary Nursing Journal, and published on the BVNA website.
- In August, all BVNA full members are contacted and sent a postal voting form.
- In September all candidates standing for election are informed of the results. The successful candidates are invited to attend the Annual BVNA Congress on the Sunday in order to attend the Annual General Meeting at which their election is ratified (proposed and seconded).
- In November, the full new Council attend an induction meeting and their first Council meeting.