When I became Chair of AMTRA in March 2022, I did so with a strong belief in the importance of the organisation and the vital role played by Suitably Qualified Persons across the animal health sector.

Over the past few years, it has been a privilege to work alongside AMTRA’s Board, Council and executive team, and to see first-hand the professionalism, expertise and commitment that SQPs bring to their work every day. Whether supporting animal health and welfare on farm, in companion animal settings, in equine businesses or across the wider medicines supply chain, SQPs make an essential contribution to responsible medicines use and to the trusted advice given to animal owners and keepers.

One of the things I have been particularly keen to support during my time as Chair has been a more proactive, forward-looking AMTRA: an organisation that is not only focused on maintaining high standards, but also on identifying future opportunities, strengthening relationships and making sure the SQP profession continues to be recognised, valued and understood.

That has meant championing high-quality training, continuing professional development and professional excellence, but it has also meant helping AMTRA to raise its voice on behalf of SQPs and to build stronger links across government, regulation, industry, the veterinary profession and the wider animal health community.

A clear example of this progress has been the launch of National SQP Week – devised by AMTRA and fully supported by the other SQP regulators. I was delighted to see the first campaign take place in June this year and to see such strong support from across the industry. For me, National SQP Week represents much more than a single awareness campaign. It provides a platform to celebrate SQP expertise, encourage collaboration, promote professional pride and help more people understand the important role SQPs play in supporting animal health, animal welfare and responsible medicines use.

I am proud that AMTRA has continued to champion SQPs at both a national and local level, celebrate excellence through its annual awards programme, support new professional development initiatives and help drive standards and CPD excellence across the sector. These are all important parts of building a confident, respected and future-facing profession.

While my time as Chair will formally come to an end in March 2027, following a handover with the new Chair once appointed, I am pleased to be leaving AMTRA in a strong position. The organisation has a clear sense of purpose, a committed team and an important opportunity to build on the momentum already created.

The next Chair will have an exciting and important role to play in guiding AMTRA through its next phase of development. They will need to bring strategic leadership, sound governance experience and strong ambassadorial skills, as well as the ability to build trusted relationships across the many different parts of the animal health sector.
Above all, they will need to share AMTRA’s commitment to championing the continued growth, recognition and value of SQPs, and to supporting the vital role they play in animal health, welfare and responsible medicines use.

It has been a real privilege to serve as AMTRA Chair, and I am grateful to everyone who has worked with and supported the organisation during my time in the role. I look forward to continuing to support the recruitment and handover process, and to seeing AMTRA and the SQP profession continue to go from strength to strength.

AMTRA is looking for a Chair who can bring strategic leadership, sound governance experience and strong ambassadorial skills to help guide the organisation through its next phase of development. The successful candidate will need to build trusted relationships across government, regulation, industry and the wider animal health sector, while championing the continued growth, recognition and value of SQPs and the vital role they play in supporting animal health, welfare and responsible medicines use.

For details about the AMTRA Chair role which is now open for applications, visit amtra.org.uk/recruitment

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