Secretary of State visits University of Surrey to discuss landmark reforms to veterinary regulation

The delegation included Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Biosecurity, Borders and Animals). 

The visit coincided with the publication of a new white paper which sets out the government’s vision for a thriving veterinary sector. 

The Secretary of State and Minister were welcomed by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Professor Stephen Jarvis, and Head of School of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Kamalan Jeevaratnam. 

The group toured the Veterinary Pathology Centre and the Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre, where they saw how Surrey trains students in small and large animal practice, pathology and clinical skills. 

Professor Stephen Jarvis said:

" We are delighted to welcome the Secretary of State and Minister to Surrey. Our School of Veterinary Medicine combines high-quality clinical training, purposeful teaching and research that delivers real-world benefit. This visit is an important opportunity to demonstrate how we are preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals, working closely with our industry placement partners to ensure that our graduates are ready for the realities of the profession they will enter."

A roundtable discussion chaired by Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ele Brown followed, focusing on key themes from the consultation leading up to the white paper, including licensing and scope of practice, fitness to practise, business regulation and governance. Surrey academics and practitioners – including, Professor Chris Proudman, Professor Clare Rusbridge MBE, Professor Roberto La Ragione, Tim Hutchinson (President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) and Beth Duxbury (a graduate of the Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine) – shared practical insights and case studies on how proposed changes could affect education, clinical practice and the wider veterinary team.

The government visit took place at the same time NSS results were published, which placed the University of Surrey 7th for student satisfaction*. The School of Veterinary Medicine placed 1^st for veterinary science in the UK. 

Professor Kamalan Jeevaratnam commented:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and Minister to the school and to show them how we educate the next generation of vets and veterinary professionals. The tour and discussion today have highlighted the quality of our clinical training, facilities and curriculum, and how Surrey prepares graduates to work safely and effectively within a modern regulatory framework. We were also delighted to see the quality of our provision played back in the NSS results which put the Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine at top spot for student satisfaction.”

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said:

“Visiting Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine has underlined how central veterinary education is to a resilient and sustainable future for animal and public health. The facilities, staff and students I have met today show how high‑quality training, grounded in science and compassion, can support a modern regulatory framework and a veterinary workforce ready for the challenges ahead.”

*Measured by % positivity based on questions 1-24 for all institutions listed in the Guardian University Guide league table.