Governance
How the association is run
A simple structure, published openly, so members and the wider industry can see how positions are reached.
The board
Elected by full members
Sets strategy, ratifies membership and signs off association positions. Seats are elected by full members at the annual general meeting; the founding board is appointed by the founding cohort and stands for election in its first full year.
Advisory board
Invited individuals
Clinicians, academics, regulators and industry figures who scrutinise the association's positions. Advisory board members do not vote, and nominations come from members and associate members.
Working groups
Open to all members
Where positions are drafted. Chaired by a full member, open to associate members and supported by partners. Every group publishes its remit and its output.
Chapters
National committees
Each chapter has a chair and a committee elected by that chapter's members, responsible for local policy engagement and the chapter's calendar.
How a position is agreed
From working group to publication
- 01
Proposed
A member or chapter raises an issue with the relevant working group.
- 02
Drafted
The group drafts a position, with evidence and dissenting views recorded.
- 03
Consulted
Circulated to all members and the advisory board for challenge.
- 04
Published
Ratified by the board and published in the association's name.
Code of conduct
What members commit to
Signed on joining, and a condition of continued membership.
- Put animal welfare and clinical safety ahead of commercial advantage.
- Represent product capability and evidence honestly to practices and owners.
- Handle clinical and personal data lawfully, and support portability.
- Compete fairly and never use association forums to coordinate on price.
- Declare conflicts of interest in working groups and board discussions.
- Treat other members, practice staff and association colleagues with respect.
Concerns about a member's conduct can be raised with the secretariat via the contact page.
Help write the rules
The founding cohort agrees the constitution, the election process and the first code of conduct.