At the recent meeting of the IVC Evidensia Farm Animal Clinical Board, it was decided that Jim Hopkins, the previous vice chair, would be promoted to chair of the board.
This comes after the previous chair, Owain Jenkins steps down at the end of his term after taking up the role as the inaugural Chair in 2018. Jim had been vice chair for 12 months in preparation to take over.
The Farm Animal Clinical Board provides
farm veterinary teams with a forum to discuss, advise and decide on matters related to the group, encompassing both clinical and non-clinical areas.
Jim is a Clinical Director at Steffan Vets in Lampeter and chair of the Farm Sustainability working group at IVC Evidensia. Outside of the group, he is the Director of Iechyd Da (Gwledig) Ltd and Director of Wales Veterinary Science Centre. Amongst other notable accolades, he recently completed his VetSustain & Vetsalus’ Certificate in A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming.
Jim described his feelings upon being given the role and his hopes for the future of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets:
“I am pleased and excited to take on this role. The Clinical Board is a cornerstone of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets, representing our culture and inclusivity, and is a great forum to support continual improvements and clinical excellence across the group.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to lead the board into the future, further improving our communication with the support of vets across our farm network.
“Key focuses over the next few years will include
improving our approach to sustainability within practices and guidance offered to our farmers, alongside promoting and supporting more clinical research in our practices leading to further quality improvements.
“All the Farm Vets across the group provide a wealth of knowledge and experience which we can bring together and share amongst the practices, to grow and improve the entire business.”
Owain Jenkins, the outgoing chair of the board, commented on his departure:
"It's been a great honour and privilege to be the chair of the clinical board and to spread the positive message about the work of our
amazing farm vets within IVC Evidensia.
“As a Clinical Board we’ve worked hard to raise the profile of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets and be part of some great initiatives along the way. There are a lot more plans to come as well. I think this is a great time for Jim to take over the Chair and to take the Clinical Board to the next level.”