The Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) was launched in September 1993. VPMA was approved for the Investors In People award in December 2002 and presented with the Plaque at the AGM in February 2003.

Membership of the Association is open to individuals who are employed by, own or are actively involved in the management of a veterinary practice.

The Aims of the VPMA

The Veterinary Practice Management Association exists to provide individuals who are involved in the management of veterinary practice with an effective means of communication and interaction with others with similar interests, and a forum for promoting, providing and recognising training and excellence in all aspects of veterinary practice management.

Although relatively young, the VPMA is growing, with a well-organised structure, an experienced and committed Council, strong Regional Organisation and a developing educational arm. It has an expanding membership both in the UK and overseas.

The Association holds an annual conference, practice management seminars and other veterinary association meetings, organises regional management groups and publishes Veterinary Management for Today, its journal. It also promotes individual contact between members of the association and is developing management training programmes in association with a number of colleges which complement the Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) and Veterinary Practice Administration Certificate (VPAC) awarded by the Association.

An Employment Register is maintained for prospective employers and employees within the VPMA.

The VPMA provides a communication network through which members can exchange information, ideas and experiences. It also aims to extend their interest and expertise in management issues and to enhance the success, however it may be measured, of the practices they own, or in which they work.

A strong regional infrastructure now exists throughout the country providing a forum for education, networking and exchange of ideas. A network of regional organisers maintain contact with members, report to Council and run meetings locally which attract members and non-members, including all staff categories in veterinary practices.

The Secretariat

It is the role of the Secretariat to provide administrative support for the VPMA, providing a central contact point for all Association communications with its members and facilitating access to information. The Secretariat maintains the membership database.

The Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM)

A formal qualification which demonstrates to prospective and current employers a manager's measurable skills in administration, financial management, personnel matters and marketing of the business of a veterinary practice.

Achieving the Certificate in Veterinary Practice Management is the ‘Gold Standard' and will acknowledge that the holder possesses a wide range of practice management skills and expertise which sets them apart as a professional.

The Veterinary Practice Administration Certificate (VPAC)

Introduced in 2001, this is a formal qualification, accredited via the Open College Network, and available to administrative and other staff with administrative responsibilities in practice.

Congress and National Meetings

The VPMA is involved with three large programmes a year. One is our management day in the autumn, a day of practical management topics, one is centered around the annual BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) Congress and the third our own Annual Congress over 3 days run in conjunction with the AGM in February.

‘Veterinary Management for Today'

The Journal of the VPMA is published four times a year and sent free to members. It provides practical management information, publishing articles on management issues provided by those working in the field of veterinary practice management.

VPMA Past Presidents:

John Sheridan 1993 - 1996
Nancy Fox 1996 - 1998
John Bower 1998 - 2000
Hanno Payne 2000 - 2001
Carole Clarke 2001 - 2002
Maggie Shilcock 2002 - 2003
Fiona Baxter 2003 - 2004
Brian Wright 2004 - 2005
Rita Dingwall 2005 - 2007
Sarah Hibbert 2007 - 2008

VPMA Strategic Plan Our business plan is summarised on the Strategic Plan page and regularly reviewed in Council.

VPMA CODE OF ETHICS

I pledge that I will:-

Maintain and promote the profession of veterinary practice management Seek every possible opportunity to enhance my personal experience, skill and expertise in the profession of veterinary practice management;

Seek and maintain an equitable, professional and co-operative relationship with fellow members of the Veterinary Practice Management Association and with my colleagues in my business and professional life;

Fulfil my obligations and responsibilities to the best of my ability to enable my employer and colleagues to deliver the highest possible standards of service to our clients and their animals within the guidelines set down in the current RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct;

Pursue my profession in veterinary practice management with honesty, integrity and industry, placing the emphasis of my efforts on the highest possible standards of service to my employer(s);

Ensure the confidentiality of any information relating to the business or personal affairs of my employer(s) and the clinical or other details of their clients and patients, except as may be required or compelled by appropriate law or other regulation;

Protect any of my employer's property under my control and acknowledge that all information gathered, maintained or produced within the practice is the exclusive property of the practice owner(s) and will not be reproduced, shared or distributed outside the practice without the owners consent.

THE VPMA CONSTITUTION is contained in the Members' Handbook published by the Association.