Professor David Barrett

BSc(Hons) BVSc(Hons) DBR DCHP DipECBHM ARAgs FRSB FHEA FRCVS

Candidate 1 of 14

Proposers: Dr Simon Doherty, Professor Séverine Tasker

Contact details 

T 0117 455 0038
M 07801 415 094
E [email protected]

Candidate biography

Having grown up in the Southwest of England I gained an intercalated BSc and BVSc from Bristol and entered mixed practice in North Wales. After undertaking the Cert CHP, I joined the University of Glasgow, gaining the DBR and DCHP before becoming an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production. In 2003 my work was critical in establishing the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM), revolutionising postgraduate clinical training across Europe and beyond, and paving the way for many other ‘species’ Colleges. I was President of the ECBHM 2005-07 before moving back to the University of Bristol to take up the Chair of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction and start to rebuild the farm animal teaching and research group. In 2017 I was made FRCVS for meritorious contribution to clinical practice, and in 2019 became an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies for an outstanding career in clinical practice, veterinary education, research, and professional leadership. I became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in 2021.

A keen walker and marathon and ultra-marathon runner, my time is split between Bristol, Oxfordshire, and my home in Scotland, working and supporting my family.

Candidate statement

Often the RCVS seems remote and out-of-touch with the majority in the profession. I will work to change that. I’m passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as sustainability in the profession and will use a seat on Council to make the profession better for us all, to promote and support life-long fulfilling and rewarding veterinary careers and help to support colleagues at all career stages and across the diverse roles we hold. I will work tirelessly to be approachable and really listen to members concerns and use my experience to influence optimally the work of the College, whether that be to positively impact the student experience, allow innovation to benefit colleagues in practice or improve delivery of services to the public.

I have always considered that I should not just seek to excel in my day-to-day work, but also devote myself to supporting and promoting our profession. I have taught thousands of undergraduates and very many postgraduates, seeking to serve the profession through education and mentorship. I was awarded the prestigious ‘Brownlie Bull’ in 2022 for outstanding service during 17-years as a Board member of the BCVA, during which time I led many important and impactful initiatives and held numerous roles in the BCVA and BVA, including being BCVA President 2018-19.

Whether through committee work, my research into AMR and responsible medicine use and one-health, or the revamping of veterinary curricular, I work relentlessly to promote positive change. I have the experience, gravitas, and skill set required to lead the profession and am eager to gain a seat on Council to achieve this and dedicate myself to working for individuals needs and for the whole profession. We need people on Council that have the experience and ability to bring about lasting positive change. I am such a person.

Candidate answers to questions from the profession

If elected, what measures and actions would you take to ensure active engagement with veterinary surgeons (as defined in the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1966) during your time on Council?

I feel passionately that elected Council members while acting on behalf of the whole of the RCVS membership, and not just a particular constituency, should be both accountable and in close contact with members and fellows. Too many decisions and initiatives from the RCVS seem to be out of touch with members and future members, our students. If elected, I will do everything I can to engage with all arms of the professions, I’ll make my contact details as widely available as possible to members and foster an active listening approach to represent your views to the very best of my ability. I don’t believe members’ views are adequately represented or expressed at present, and it will be my mission to do that. I will set up social media accounts dedicated to communicating with members on RCVS matters, not to seek popularity and votes for elections, but to forge strong communication links with RCVS members, particularly those in practice. I will also explore the possibility of hosting regular on-line drop-in surgeries where members can discuss their concerns directly with me. A vote for me is a vote for a listener who will seek to represent your views and who has the experience and gravitas to be heard on Council. Please vote for me, this year may well be your last chance to do so!

Do you have a view on the proposed changes to the composition of council, i.e. specifically removing the ability of veterinary surgeons to have a voice, via the council elections process, in who represents the profession on RCVS Council?

I can’t know how I would have voted on the proposed changes to the method of selecting Council members as the professions, as a whole, were not party to all the arguments put forward. However, I can say that I think Council discussions should be more openly reported and members of Council should not be bound by ‘Cabinet Collective Responsibility’ and open to express their views and the positions they take on votes such as this. A decision as wide reaching as changes to how Council members are selected or appointed should not have been made without significant consultation throughout the veterinary professions.  It is my fundamental belief that members of the RCVS should have a voice regarding who sits on Council. The democratic way to achieve this would seem to be via this election, imperfect as it might be! However, we must acknowledge, with the very low turnout seen in recent years, that the democratic process is not working as it should. If you believe we should have an elected Council as I do, then use this opportunity to vote for me now and exercise your democratic right. If we get a significant turnout of votes it will strengthen the argument in favour of future elections, even if the candidate selection process is in need of change.