BVRA is run by its Board of Directors and Council members. The Council comprise Associate Veterinary Receptionists (AVRs) who have been elected or appointed by the Council at the BVRA annual general meeting (AGM).
Council members, whether elected or appointed, are expected to attend between 3 and 4 Council meetings every year where they will be responsible for making a variety of decisions. Including;
Nominations for the 2024 Council will be open early 2024. Only Registered Veterinary Receptionists will be able to apply by completing an online application form.
After beginning her career in veterinary nursing, Kay moved into veterinary education, supporting veterinary professionals across the UK and Europe achieve postgraduate qualifications. She has significant expertise in education, accreditation, awards and certification within the veterinary sector.
Kay founded the BVRA in October 2017 and is passionate about supporting and raising the status of veterinary receptionists through training and education.
John has a wealth of experience in the veterinary and education sector and is keen to support the ongoing development of BVRA.
Previously, as a Director of Improve International, the worlds’ largest provider of high quality veterinary postgraduate training, John helped it grow into a renowned multinational organisation operating in over 20 countries.
Prior to joining Improve International, he worked in the creative industries before moving into training and education where he now has over twenty years’ experience.
I started working with animals when I was 17, where I volunteered at a Zoological Park for two years. I then took two years out and travelled Australia, before returning home to England in 2016. Once home I worked for a cats and dogs rescue centre, before moving on to my first job in the veterinary Industry as a veterinary receptionist.
This was a whole new world for me, I knew I wanted to work with animals but no one had warned me of the extent my role would actually take. I learnt very quickly that answering the phone and booking appointments was only a very small part of my role, which extended into kennel hand, care assistant, animal handling and practice tea maker! I became aware of the BVRA and crammed as many courses as I possibly could to improve my efficiency within my role, completing my BVRA levels and becoming the practice’s first Associate Veterinary Receptionist (AVR).
Having completed my AVR I was promoted to the role of Head Receptionist in July 2020. In March 2021 I was invited to become a BVRA ambassador, which lead to me joining the BVRA team as Operations Manager in February 2022. Since then we evolved our ambassadors and created the first BVRA Council, of which I was voted in as the first BVRA President! Though this is a new role to both myself and the association, I am very excited to see where this leads and how I can help raise the status for veterinary receptionists within the industry across the country.
I started working at Drove Vets in Swindon in 2015 as a Veterinary Receptionist covering 7 different branch surgeries, as well as our main hospital site, this is where my passion for the industry began.
I progressed in my role and became a lead receptionist in 2018. I thrive off being able to support our team and love that I get to work alongside an incredibly talented group of people. No two days are the same as a veterinary receptionist and I enjoy the challenges that are thrown our way. I completed the BVRA training and became an AVR in April 2020.
I’m passionate about creating a voice for Veterinary Receptionists and look to gain a wider understanding of the work that we do within practice amongst colleagues and members of the public. I aim to do this through my role as BVRA council Vice President. I am married, and have two cats called Chip & Coco, who like to keep me on my toes!
I joined veterinary practice at the start of July 2017 working as a ‘float’ receptionist working in all 5 branches and our main hospital at Drove Vets in Swindon. After a year I found my feet at one of our branches and worked there consistently as one of the main receptionists for 4 years.
Working as a part of a small team could be challenging but great as no two days we’re the same. My passion for coaching and supporting our team had led me to land the role as staff trainer within our client care team and now, a lead receptionist over at our Main Hospital. I find it very rewarding being able spend time with my colleagues and see them grow within their role.
I completed my BVRA training and became an Associate Veterinary Receptionist in September 2020 which is a title I am very proud of. I have recently become a Level 3 Customer Service specialist after carrying out an NVQ with Paragon Skills and love putting my new skills into practice.
The BVRA asked me to join them as an ambassador early 2021 and I’m lucky enough to now be on the council where my passion to raise the status of veterinary receptionists is shared by all. The BVRA play a critical part of supporting us in the profession and my main goal on the council is to scream, shout and raise awareness about the importance of our role and how it should be established as a career option. I like to spend time with my pets when I’m not working as well as my friends and family.
I started working at Glaven Veterinary Practice in Norfolk in 2007 and I still like my job there after 15 years. I began as a member of the cleaning crew, but after a few months, a position at the front desk became available, and I leapt at the chance and have never looked back.
I am also the PHC Champion for our practices, which means I am responsible for all of the clients on the plans and write any training sheets needed to assist other members of staff in this role. I am also the Purina Nutrition Champion, which adds to my responsibilities, so there is never a dull moment for me.
Since starting at the clinic, I become an AVR in April 2022. Courses are my middle name, and I’m always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and care; I’ve also recently obtained my ISFM to work as a cat-friendly receptionist.
Customer service is really crucial to me in my job, as are enormous doggy and cat cuddles! It’s also been noted that I’m definitely part of the Glaven veterinary furniture and fixtures, and it’s wonderful to witness all the animals grow up from puppies to old age.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband, children and granddaughter.
My major pastime is learning to do gel nails as a backup plan for when I retire in the future, particularly over coffee or drinks with friends. Padme, my sweet kitty friend, loves to assist me when I dig out my nail kit, and she manages to coat herself and the house in glitter!
My career in the veterinary industry started in 2019, working as a receptionist in Cherrydown Vets in Basildon. It entailed so much more than I imagined, and I have enjoyed every minute and continue to learn more each day. I started to regularly carry out training for new and existing team members and was the practice IT champion and go-to person for any technical problems. Then in August 2021 I became a lead receptionist with my focus area being administration.
I completed my BVRA’s training and became an Associate Veterinary Receptionist in March 2022 and became the first AVR at my practice. This has enabled me to offer support, guidance, and motivation to my team, as well as help them complete their awards. I take real pride in helping achieve those goals.
I enjoy expanding my skills and knowledge to allow me to provide as much care and support as possible to my colleagues and our clients. I have enrolled and completed as many courses as I can, including IFSM Cat Friendly Receptionist, Pet Bereavement and Pharmacy Dispensing.
I joined the BVRA council in August 2022 and I am very excited for the opportunity to be another voice for all Veterinary Receptionists and spread the word about what a lifeline they are to a practice – whilst also still learning more each day.
I have a little black cat and she loves all other creatures big or small, so I am usually the first call when someone needs a pet sitter.
I started working at Lingfield Equine Vets in 2013 after leaving Lingfield Park Racecourse as deputy Stable yard manager. Growing up on a working farm I have always had a passion for the larger animal and obviously always wanted to be a Vet….and went into hairdressing instead.
An opportunity arose to help out at Lingfield Park and I grabbed it with both hands. Working alongside the stable’s hands, trainers, BHA and vets it was a very varied role which I enjoyed greatly. I was asked to attend an interview for a position in the office at Lingfield Equine Vets. A dream come true.
The role is forever changing, and super face paced with no two days the same. Bringing professional service and personalised care. I love helping the clients and seeing the horses come into the clinic, it’s great to meet the face and horses behind the voices. I’m a sucker for a shire, always up for a cuddle. My passion to evolve equine training for reception/ office teams is just beginning after being awarded the British veterinary receptionist of the year. Let the journey begin… When not at work I love to spend my time with my family and two dogs Cooper and Dougie.