Dr Sadie Spencer

BVetMed PGCertImag(WBIS) MRCVS

Candidate 17 of 20

Proposers: Dr Esme Howells, Dr Rebecca Walsh

Contact details

M 07798 888 396

E [email protected]

Candidate biography

I’m a small animal vet based in Merseyside working in ECC. I graduated from the RVC and have built my career in the fast-paced world of emergency practice, where I thrive under pressure.

I’m passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the veterinary profession and in my wider community, am actively engaged in autistic and LGBT self-advocacy groups – such as setting up a local cookery and social group, and within the profession through my employer and the union.

Outside of work, I love staying active and spending time with my dogs. Getting lost in the Cheshire countryside is one of my favourite ways to bond with them. I taught myself to swim and it’s now my preferred way to unwind. When I’m not outdoors, you’ll find me in the kitchen, baking and experimenting with new recipes. Trying new things helps me recharge, and I bring my best and whole self to everything I do.

Candidate statement 

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

My first impression of the RCVS and to some extent, the council, was that it was impenetrable.

Although the council has made a greater push towards transparency and equity, and doing more to highlight compassion and warmth, I am eager to bring my insights and experiences to help drive these goals even further. I want to show that people who look like me, think like me and face similar challenges are being considered and actively advocated for. I’m not afraid of asking the “awkward” or “silly” questions to get an easily digestible answer.

We are facing a season of change within the profession and soon the RCVS will need to consider the outcome of the CMA investigation. This may mean some big changes happening relatively quickly, with possible legislative reform being brought about as a result. It is important to me to use that opportunity to ensure that we consider everyone through this time, including the perspectives that might otherwise have been overlooked.

What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

I believe I can bring creativity, fresh insights, and a new perspective informed by my lived experience to the RCVS Council. My unique viewpoint as a neurodivergent individual allows me to approach challenges with innovation and to identify opportunities for progress that others might overlook. I am passionate about contributing to the council’s mission of making the veterinary profession more accessible and sustainable, and ensuring the profession is reflective of and responsive to the diverse communities it serves.

What relevant experience do you have?

I am currently a Senior Veterinary Surgeon, and I bring practical experience from sitting on several working groups focused on EDI, employee advocacy, and wellbeing. These roles have deepened my understanding of the challenges within organisations and equipped me with the skills to develop and implement initiatives that foster inclusivity and improve employee experiences.

Candidate answer to question from the profession

Question: Do you think it would help our profession to give veterinary nurses the opportunity to use their skills and qualifications further by allowing them the opportunity to study a further course that allows them to give booster vaccinations and have some basic dispensing capabilities like human nurses?

Answer: I believe that expanding the role of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) through upskilling can only be a positive step for our profession. Our registered nurses are highly trained professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and it makes sense to utilise their skills to their fullest potential. By offering an additional, closely regulated certification that allows RVNs to perform specific tasks such as administering booster vaccinations and dispensing basic medications, we can create a role similar to that of a nurse practitioner in human healthcare. This would not only recognise the capability of RVNs but also provide a structured pathway for career development.

Empowering RVNs in this way could help alleviate some of the pressures currently faced by veterinary surgeons in practice. Vets may gain more flexibility to focus on complex cases, surgical procedures, and furthering their clinical interests. This shift may increase job satisfaction for all parties and may contribute to reduced burnout. This redistribution of tasks could also improve appointment availability, allowing more animals to be seen in a timely manner — a significant benefit given the increasing demand for veterinary services.

However, clear and robust guidelines must be established to define the boundaries of this expanded role. Transparency regarding what RVNs can and cannot do will ensure patient safety and maintain public trust. We must also avoid the pitfall of exploitation by using these RVNs as “cheaper vets” with any increase in skill and responsibility being accompanied by increased remuneration.  Clear protocols would also support effective teamwork within practices, ensuring that employers, vets, RVNs, and clients all understand the scope of this new role, so that we don’t inadvertently place both staff and patients at risk.