Dr Benjamin Kennedy

BSc MSc BVetMed Mem.RES MRCVS

Candidate 10 of 20

Proposers: Dr Harriet Nicholson, Dexter Smith

Contact details 

Address Invertivet Bearded Vets Ltd, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK13 7AD

M 07515 961 917

E [email protected]

W www.invertivet.com

Candidate biography

Benjamin is a small animal and exotic locum vet based in Milton Keynes. He has an interest in invertebrate medicine and researches the application of clinical techniques in these species. He runs Invertivet Bearded Vets, a company that is tailored to facilitating veterinary care, telemedicine, and research for invertebrate and exotic species.

In addition to his veterinary medicine degree Benjamin has a bachelor’s in biochemistry and genetics and a master’s in molecular biology and pathology of viruses. Benjamin is involved in multiple societies. He is part of the steering committee for the Veterinary Invertebrate Society and the British Bee Veterinary Association and was previously a council member of the British Veterinary Zoological Society. Benjamin regularly publishes articles and presents his research at conferences to raise awareness of exotic and invertebrate medicine.

Candidate statement 

Why do you want to stand to be a member of RCVS Council?

I stand for:

• The continuation of an elected element on council for RCVS to ensure effective self-government that reflects the views of the people that are being regulated.
• A sensible, fair, and proportionate disciplinary process.
• A common-sense approach to under care guidelines that reflects the current challenges of veterinary medicine.

I value effective, practical regulation that supports veterinary professionals and the public. As a locum, I have worked across various practices, enabling me to articulate the concerns of diverse veterinary professionals and shape fair, functional policies.

Regulation plays a vital role in maintaining public trust in our profession and ensuring high standards of animal welfare. However, I believe that regulation should be based in common-sense, proportionate, and enable professionals to do their jobs effectively, rather than act as a barrier. I am a strong advocate for self-regulation and believe veterinary professionals are best placed to uphold the standards and responsibilities of our profession.

If elected, I will work to ensure that RCVS decisions are balanced, transparent, and reflective of the realities of veterinary practice, so we can preserve trust, support our colleagues, and ultimately safeguard the welfare of the animals under our care.

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

My diverse veterinary experience gives me a broad perspective on the profession’s challenges, I understand the practical realities of different practice models and how regulatory decisions impact veterinary professionals on the ground.

I bring strong organisational and leadership skills, demonstrated through my previous committee roles. My involvement in previous working groups has also given me experience in policy discussions and regulatory matters.

Additionally, I am a strong advocate for education and professional development. With a keen understanding of the challenges facing new graduates, I want to ensure that regulation by the RCVS is practical, supportive, and fosters career longevity.

I believe my breadth of experience, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to common-sense regulation would make me a valuable addition to the RCVS Council.

What relevant experience do you have?

Over my career, I have locumed at over 80 veterinary practices, spanning a diverse range of environments – from general practice to exotic practices, out of hour clinics, and referral hospitals. This broad exposure has given me a unique view of the profession and its challenges across different practice models.

Beyond clinical work, I have experience in academic, laboratory, and zoological settings, further broadening my perspective. I actively contribute to professional organisations as a committee member of the Veterinary Invertebrate Society and the British Bee Veterinary Association. Previously, on the British Veterinary Zoological Society Council, I managed membership, maintained the website, and helped run online conferences during the pandemic.

I have also contributed to British Veterinary Association working groups on medicines and exotic species (non-traditional companion animals), engaging in policy discussions. I am passionate about education and mentoring; I have delivered extracurricular exotic animal lectures at most UK vet schools and internationally.

With eight years of experience, I understand the challenges new and recent graduates face, having navigated them myself. Noting high turnover rates in our profession, I am committed to advocating for a regulatory framework that supports career longevity, professional growth, and workplace well-being.