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GVS Working Groups: GVS Steering Group

Summary of the GVS Steering Group Away-day at the Swan Globe Theatre October 2008

Nigel Gibbens welcomed everyone to the event saying that this was an opportunity to move the group forward and this was a chance to have an informal networking day to help achieve that.

Members discussed key achievements in 2008 and aspirations and key challenges for 2009 and beyond, a few were;

Nigel Gibbens (CVO UK) - Aspiration for 2009 – to build veterinary leadership and make the best impact across government - making the veterinary profession recognised as adding value in government.

Roger Hancock (VLA) - Key Achievement for VLA in 2008 - Restructure of management and veterinary team to offer better service

Charles Milne (CVO Scotland) - Key Achievement in Scotland 2008 More engaged with policy in Scotland, particularly with Bluetongue.

Peter Thornton (Home Office) Key Achievement for 2008 – Translating vet skills to professional skills for government.

David White (MOD) – Key Achievement 2008 – To develop a structured programme for new graduates – formalise career development patterns.

Steve Dean (VMD) - Aspiration for 2009 – Looking at educational policies - Spread the load of educational events.

Megan Power gave a presentation on Government Skills and explained the recent Cabinet Office initiative to expand the role of Heads of Profession which aimed to improve evidence and advice for workforce planning and raise the profile of the role of professional groups in government.

She explained that the GVS Team have been developing a new strategic approach to support this work area. DRIVE (Delivering Research and Innovation through Veterinary Expertise) aims to establish a clear working area to support the expanded roles and responsibilities for the Veterinary Head of Profession.

A workshop session took place in which members were split into 4 discussion groups based on the GVS; Steering group and DRIVE initiative, University Liaison Group, Learning and Development and Communications.

Tim Kemp an external Facilitator from First Step Management led a session on Leadership and Performance – Worked with government departments for a long time designing programmes for change.

The group were given a guided tour of the Globe Theatre which revealed the story of its reconstruction and gave an exciting insight into the working life of the Globe.

Nigel thanked everyone for attending and explained that the foundation for GVS is well established. We have a good community but we need to engage more and we are now looking for the next steps and understanding what it means for the GVS.

 

Page last modified 21 November 2008