On 1 April 2009 Animal Health changed its organisational structure in order to better align with key partner organisations, developing closer and more collaborative relationships to deliver shared objectives in animal health and welfare.

The changes provide a single integrated organisation where the entire organisation’s expertise can be effectively brought to bear for the benefit of customers, as well as improved consistency in delivery and enhanced quality assurance.

As part of the changes, Animal Health has appointed three new director posts, dedicated to each of its largest customers, who will oversee field-based operations in England (Andy Foxcroft), Scotland (Rupert Hine) and Wales (Tony Edwards). These posts are each supported by a Veterinary Business Partner.

In England only, the operational structure changed to align to the Government Office Regions. Previously Animal Health operated from 15 divisional offices in England, five in Scotland, and three in Wales, each headed by a Divisional Veterinary Manager.

In England the 15 divisions have been replaced by eight regions, each aligned with the Government Offices regional structure. Each Region is led by a Regional Operations Director (ROD) working closely with a Regional Veterinary Lead and a regional management team.

The current structure in Scotland and Wales remains unchanged.
Whilst the local Divisional Veterinary Manager post has disappeared in England, Veterinary Team Leaders manage local veterinary staff, under the direction of the strengthened, regionally-based management team, which includes veterinary managers.

In England Regional Offices will be established at the following existing locations:

1. North East  - Newcastle                      (ROD - Pauline Watson)
2. Yorkshire and Humberside – Leeds      (ROD - Alan Wolinski)
3. North West – Preston                         (ROD - David Wild)
4. East Midlands – Leicester                   (ROD - Sarah Gordon)
5. West Midlands – Stafford                     (ROD - Edwina Thirkell)
6. East of England – Bury St Edmonds     (ROD - Mark Yates)
7. South East – Reigate                           (ROD - Will Creswell)
8. South West – Exeter                            (ROD - David Hinton)

All other Animal Health Offices remain open and are supported by the Regional Offices. They are called Animal Health Offices. In Scotland and Wales, offices continue to be called Animal Health Divisional Offices, and are headed by a Divisional Veterinary Manager (DVM).

Changing demands and new customer expectations mean Animal Health has to constantly evolve. The environment it works in has changed, with devolution of policy making to Scotland and Wales. There is greater regionalisation in England and greater emphasis on efficiency.
 
The new structure is designed to improve Animal Health’s engagement with the Scottish, Welsh and English agendas and customers, as well as providing excellence in professional leadership and general management. It also provides improved delivery capability and enhanced ability to respond to disease outbreaks.

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