Friday 24th April
JOIN THE CONVERSATION IN OUR VMG COMMUNITY ROOM
The Ballroom will be turned over to the community in this all-day session.
Ever thought about studying with us? Come and meet our tutors
Want to find out what it’s like to be a VMG director? Have a chat with one of them
Wish you could have a chat with a really engaging speaker? We’ve got you.
Exhibitors are here to help solve some of your problems. Tell them what you need.
We will have a range of popular contributors throughout the day who will be happy to talk to you about your experiences and share their own. Join their table, join the discussion.
10.15 - 11.30
Sam Anderson –VMG Director
Sam will be available to answer your questions about how the VMG can help veterinary leaders and aspiring leaders; our CPD and Education opportunities, the benefits of membership and what it is like to be a VMG Director.
Miles Russell – VMG Director
Miles represents VMG on the BVA council, the BVA asked him to join their Transparency and Client Choice Working Group. The group reviewed in detail the CMA release of information and request for submissions. Miles was present at the meeting debating the issues the CMA wanted information on and from these meeting BVA created a document to submit to CMA when asked to. The VMG was listed as an organisation on this submission to the CMA.
Miles has been involved along the whole journey of the CMA investigation. His experience working for an independent practice means he can bring the business side of issues to the fore and help you to navigate the challenges the CMA review brings.
Helen Silver-MacMahon – Being Human Consulting Ltd.
Helen is passionate about developing the veterinary profession’s understanding of Human Factors as a powerful aid in improving patient safety, enhancing performance, and supporting the wellbeing of the veterinary team.
Helen qualified as a registered Veterinary Nurse in 2000 and has worked in both first opinion and referral hospitals. Since qualifying, she has gained certificates in ECC and Small Animal Nutrition and the Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (surgical).
In 2021, Helen completed a MSc in Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors at the University of Edinburgh and is currently undertaking a PhD at Sheffield Hallam exploring the non-technical skills that veterinary nurses require when monitoring and maintaining anaesthesia.
She enjoys lecturing internationally and has written articles and co-authored several book chapters on both clinical and non-clinical aspects practice. Helen is also collaborating with the University of Aberdeen to research Incivility in veterinary practice.
Caroline Pearson – VMG Tutor
Caroline graduated from vet school in 1999 and worked in Small Animal practice in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire for 10 years before moving into a managerial role within an ex-military recruitment company. Here she had the opportunity of working with many multi-national corporations and developed a keen interest in performance enhancement and effective leadership.
Caroline pursued this interest, undertaking a Master’s in Business Management and Veterinary Leadership, before founding Progressive Vet Consulting, where she works with veterinary practices and individuals to challenge, and hopefully improve, their current leadership. She is an experienced Analytic Network Coach and speaker and joined the VMG tutor team in 2022.
BVA Great Workplaces
Great Workplaces by BVA is an innovative accreditation scheme designed to recognise and reward positive workplace culture across both clinical and non-clinical veterinary workplaces. By focusing on fostering a thriving workforce, the scheme helps workplaces create environments where teams feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
This is a unique accreditation scheme designed specifically for veterinary teams, so we truly understand the challenges you face every day. What sets it apart is how easy it is for you. With minimal prep work needed we handle the process, and our friendly accreditor team will guide you through the results and help you take meaningful action, as well as celebrate the wins.
11.45 - 12.30
Stacie Smith – VMG Director
Stacie will be available to answer your questions about how the VMG can help veterinary leaders and aspiring leaders; our CPD and Education opportunities, the benefits of membership and what it is like to be a VMG Director.
Helen Mason – Helen Mason Coaching
Helen is an executive coach specialising in Women’s Leadership, Working Parents and Teams. She spent 18 years as a senior marketing professional in veterinary businesses including MSD Animal Health and IVC Evidensia before transitioning to coaching.
Helen takes a systemic approach to working with teams, considering the wider context the team is working within as well as addressing relationships between the team members. Her focus is on facilitating the team to build trust and find ways to engage in healthy conflict to improve accountability, commitment and results.
Helen is also a Director at VMG and considers her work with them a valuable opportunity to give back to the veterinary profession.
Mike Kitchin – VMG Tutor
Mike is very proud to have been one of the DVLM pilot cohort and to have completed his DVLM with Distinction. Plus, as a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), Mike has a real passion for people skills and developing individuals and teams…. And the opportunity to meet and support so many wonderful people through this role as a course tutor has taken this passion to a new level!
Mike’s journey in the veterinary world began in 2018 with the role as Business Manager for the German Veterinary Clinic, located in Abu Dhabi UAE. As a non-clinical role, Mike’s focus is on all the functions that help promote employee engagement, team performance, sustainable growth, quality services and customer value… all of which are covered within the DVLM and helped ensure that the qualification continues to have a positive and meaningful impact on the team and organisation. Additional to his day-job, the knowledge gained within the DVLM has been massively useful for Mike in his capacity as a member of the WSAVA Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC).
Prior to this, Mike worked for several years in senior leadership roles within two of the UAE’s largest conglomerates and has over two decades of management experience across facilities services, hospitality and business management within both the UK and UAE.
RCVS VN Vision
A vision or a necessity? Strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare.
The RCVS-led Vision or necessity? project is exploring how veterinary nurses can be more effectively integrated within multidisciplinary teams, and why doing so is essential for the future of veterinary healthcare.
Our vision, which we see as a necessity, is a truly collaborative team approach to veterinary care, where veterinary nurses can practise to their full potential, veterinary surgeons are more supported in their role, and support teams are recognised for the value they bring to the team.
The project recognises that achieving meaningful change requires more than new policies; it calls for a fundamental cultural shift. Clear guidance, structured support, and open dialogue will be key in empowering veterinary teams to adapt to a new way of working.
Whether you are a veterinary nurse, veterinary surgeon, practice support staff, director, manager, or practice owner, your involvement is key.
Come along and talk to us about the work we have completed so far, how you can get involved, and what you can expect to come out of the project over the coming months.
Sarah Schofield – Positivity in Practice
Is someone in your team competent but lacking confidence? Perhaps they’re overthinking, second-guessing themselves or not performing at their full potential.
Positivity in Practice helps veterinary professionals rebuild their self-trust and rediscover their passion for life in practice without needing more hours in the day or stepping outside their comfort zone.
Through our app and 24/7 AI coach, we provide practical, neuroscience-based tools they can use in real time during the working day.
Over time, they experience lasting changes with greater confidence, clearer communication and work feeling less exhausting and more fulfilling.
Come and chat with our founder, Sarah Schofield, a vet turned ICF-certified coach, about how to support the people in your practice who you know are capable but not quite at their best.
13.15 - 14.45
Andrew Whitfield-Roberts –VMG Director
Andrew will be available to answer your questions about how the VMG can help veterinary leaders and aspiring leaders; our CPD and Education opportunities, the benefits of membership and what it is like to be a VMG Director.
Lauren Emmett –VMG Tutor
Lauren has worked in veterinary industry since 2008 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2012 after earning her honours degree at the Royal Veterinary College.
Lauren has experience in various sectors primary care, referral, and the veterinary charity sector, as well as volunteering in veterinary work abroad. Throughout her career, she has held several leadership positions, including Senior Nurse, Head Nurse, and Regional Head Nurse for an independent group, where she oversaw six practices. Lauren later transitioned to the role of Area Management Coordinator, where she managed a hospital site and three practices.
In 2021, she joined her current role at North Downs Specialist Referrals as Head of Nursing Services where she is a member of the SLT overseeing the running of the 100+ strong nursing team.
She completed her Veterinary Leadership and Management diploma in 2024 continuing to learn all things leadership. When she then joined the VMG tutor team.
Lauren is hugely passionate about supporting our next generation of veterinary leaders, particularly within the nursing space. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling and being outside – particularly when horse riding.
Emma McGrath – Citation Ltd.
Have any employment law questions, including about the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes? Join Emma McGrath for a relaxed drop-in session after her talk, where you can bring your questions, challenges, or scenarios to discuss – including on the impact of the latest employment law changes and what it means for your practice. Emma will be on hand to offer practical guidance and advice.
BVRA
The BVRA champions the role of veterinary receptionists by supporting them with training, education, career development and providing a strong professional community.
Please come and say hello to Danni and Kay and discover how BVRA is raising standards for the front of house teams.
If you would like anything further, please do not hesitate to contact them.
Kernow Vets Messaging
Kernow Vets Messaging is a dedicated veterinary answering service supporting practices 24/7, 365 days a year. We work alongside veterinary teams to manage calls, messages, and digital enquiries, helping reduce reception pressure and improve client communication.
At VMG Congress, we’re looking forward to open conversations about the challenges facing practices today, from managing demand to supporting team wellbeing. If you’re exploring ways to save time, reduce stress at the front desk, and create a smoother experience for your clients, come and have a chat with us. We’d love to hear what’s working in your practice and share how we’re supporting others across the UK.