Jiglu: Farmtalking: Discussion: Re: BVA

Originally from: coleen

Hi Pat

I cannot understand why a professional body can allow it's self to get in such a mess, also that they have NO say as a independent body, or they are choosing not to voice it! Is it safety in numbers?

I was speaking to (cannot name them as what she told me was 'off the record'. The new animal welfare act that DEFRA are putting together will – 1, probably be overseen by the RSPCA ( will not write what my comment to that was)! 2, that the person who is responsible for trying to implement this Bill Ben Bradshaw, has suggested that in order to help Councils and others when they go to inspect and license places, that a qualified person in that field – yes a Vet more then likely – should accompany them. Of course this Act stretches right across the animal World, but none of this fills me with confidence. We seem to be going round in circles and getting nowhere fast.

Coleen

----- Original Message -----
From: ...
Originally from: "Pat Gardiner" <...>
To: <...>
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 2:25 PM
Subject: RE: [farmtalking] BVA
Coleen
You should not be too surprised. The BVA is a total shambles. I'm just amazed at the spinelessness of the average vet in putting up with this.
Just look at this. Sorry about the language, ut if that is the standard of conduct at the top of theior profession, what can I say.
...me who led a sheltered life on the dockside.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/08/31/nvet31.xml&s
Sheet=/news/2002/08/31/ixhome.html
Senior vets voice alarm at bullying allegations
Sixteen former presidents of the British Veterinary Association have voiced concern about trouble at the top of the organisation after allegations of harassment, staff intimidation, bullying and possible financial mismanagement at its London headquarters.
In a letter in the Veterinary Record, the BVA's official publication, the past presidents, whose tenures date from the Fifties to the Nineties, say a lack of transparency over the findings of two independent inquiries into the allegations is tearing the profession apart and damaging its reputation.
One former president said yesterday that the crisis at the BVA's headquarters in Marylebone, London, was "turning us into a laughing stock in the eyes of the Government and the public".
Another past president of the association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, now retired from practice, said the BVA was in "fucking chaos". He added: "This is creating a loss of public confidence in the BVA and the profession, which is even worse."
The turmoil comes as outsiders are questioning the association's role, particularly after foot and mouth. While members were under severe pressure at the height of the outbreak, their representative body was accused of failing to take a decisive stand on key issues such as vaccination.
Members have been frustrated by the association's failure to sort out conflicting advice on the 20-day standstill rule imposed on livestock farmers after foot and mouth.
After concerns over staff turnover at the headquarters, the BVA Council's Internal Audit Group set up an internal investigation, which prompted an independent inquiry last year at £1,000 a day. The association's executive refused to disclose the contents of the internal report to its council, even in secret. It cited legal advice that it said could lead to the association being brought before an industrial tribunal.
The independent report detailed concerns about the management style of James Baird, the association's chief executive, and Ailsa Edwards, the assistant chief executive.
The Report to the Executive Committee of the British Veterinary Association regarding concerns held by current and past staff regarding their employment lists a catalogue of problems, including "low morale and an atmosphere of distrust, secrecy and fear".
Andrew Scott, president of the association, said lawyers had advised him not to comment on the report's contents.
The independent report was "being actioned". He said: "In view of the necessity for the process to be conducted fairly I am not in the position to say any more."
Mr Baird was unavailable and Mrs Edwards declined to comment.
Regards
Pat Gardiner
-----Original Message-----
From: ...
Originally from: Coleen Taylor [...] Sent: 17 January 2004 10:55
To: ...
Subject: [farmtalking] BVA
Hi
Off the topic of farming – but even so, it did come as a surprise to me, and makes you ask yourself is NO one body, independent anymore. They ALL scratch each others back, if this goes on in the domestic animal section – then who's bed are they sharing in the livestock world.
I wrote to BVA on Friday relating to puppy farming. I asked for their views on several aspects, but mainly on the welfare side.
They wrote back saying 'they could not comment as an individual organisation (why not) but pointed me in the direction of the Dog Legislation Advisory Group of which the BVA is a member – the address – the kennel club. Personally I find this worrying, as I no not see the kennel club and the BVA as natural partners (well I didn't)..
Coleen
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