In this blog, co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS) Issa Robson talks about how the society supports those working in the veterinary profession with issues of Race, Ethnicity, Diversity and Discrimination and the positive impact of the BVEDS community.

The British Veterinary Ethnicity & Diversity Society (BVEDS) was set up in 2016, we are a volunteer run charity. BVEDS key goals is to create a peer-to-peer support network for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic vets, nurses, students and support staff.

The more individuals we have spoken to over the years the more we realised that they are experience the same types of issues again and again. These include overt discrimination, stereotyping, biases and microaggression. There is a clear need for education and training within organisation on how to deal with discrimination and make workplaces inclusive.

Over the years we seen the positive effect and sense of belonging that the BVEDS community can provide. Everyone should have access to a network of people who have similar lived experiences and understanding of the challenges of working in such a white profession. We also offer support and education to white allies who wish to learn more about anti-racism and those who also need support in making their own organisations more inclusive.

BVEDS mission statement:

-To celebrate and appreciate racial and ethnic diversity within our profession.

-To support individuals dealing with discrimination (emotional, practical & sign posting to legal assistance).

-To provide education to vets, nurses, students in the veterinary profession regarding ethnicity and diversity.

-To create a collaborative network of individuals and organisations within the profession with a focus on equality and diversity and tackling discrimination.

-To promote the veterinary profession to people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

-To provide educational and policy guidance to veterinary organisations and allied professions.

We are very keen to encourage membership and networking of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic RVNs, student nurses and other veterinary support staff. To become a member simply BVEDS join our Facebook closed community; https://www.facebook.com/groups/1911749175725589/

We would encourage those who want to learn more about anti-racism and how to be a better ally to check out our website; www.bveds.com. We can be followed on Twitter @bveds2016 and on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/BritishVEDS.

Issa Robson (co-founder BVEDS)