In response to student demand, Bristol Veterinary School organised a dedicated course exclusively for final year students.

Designed as a 10-day EMS (Extra-Mural Studies) placement, this year’s course also welcomed students from other UK veterinary schools, with particularly strong representation from the University of Edinburgh. The response was exceptional, with 51 students enrolling—a national first for a student-only OV course of this scale.

The Official Veterinarian (OV) course is known for its intensity and depth, delivering a substantial volume of information in a short period. Far from an easy option to complete the degree, it challenges participants with rigorous content, technical scenarios, and formal assessments. 

The course provides students with the necessary qualification required to enter the National Official Veterinarian (NOV) programme, enabling them to work on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Official Veterinarians are recognised by the European Federation of Veterinarians as “an essential public good,” responsible for safeguarding animal welfare during transport and on farms, as well as upholding food safety standards across the UK. Their role is critical in maintaining public trust, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the country’s agricultural economy, particularly in international trade.

In addition to its technical focus, the course introduced students to the broader career opportunities available to OVs. Sessions covered communication, legislation, negotiation, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving—highlighting transferable skills relevant across all areas of veterinary medicine. Students also received individual career advice and had the opportunity to connect with key industry stakeholders. The VPH team extends their gratitude to HallMark (Veterinary and Compliance Services)  and E&J (Eville & Jones) for their support and contributions to the course.

A highlight of the programme was the participation of esteemed guest speakers, including Natalie Sampson, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for the Welsh Government, and Enrique Vega, Interim Head of Veterinary Advisory Services at the FSA. Both shared candid reflections on their diverse and impactful careers in public health and beyond.

The VPH team emphasises a culture of mutual respect and engagement, treating students as professional peers. This philosophy, paired with creative and dynamic teaching, helped foster an inclusive and energised environment that made the course not only valuable, but also genuinely enjoyable.

The team at Bristol Veterinary School is incredibly proud of the students who participated. Their professionalism, humour, and dedication were on full display throughout, offering a powerful glimpse into the kind of compassionate, competent veterinarians they are becoming.

In Their Own Words: Why Students Joined the OV Course

“EMS, extra qualifications and using them to being able to work as an OV in the future. Also works alongside the role as a large animal vet which I am going to be undertaking as a new grad. Welfare is important.” — F.H.

“I eat meat so felt an ethical duty to understand the process more. Enjoyed the VPH rotation. It’s a free course (for Bristol) at the end of term, more time with colleagues. Andy. More work possibilities in career if I want a change.” — S.C.

“To get an insight into other roles of a veterinary surgeon other than clinical practice. I am also interested in farm animal practice, so I think it has been really interesting to learn about transport and managing farmer expectations to avoid problems during transport and at the lairage.” — K.S.

“I am hoping to work in mixed practice in the future and didn’t have a farm animal background before vet school, which made me feel inadequate for the role. Therefore, the opportunity to receive the certification was inviting. While doing the course, I realised I found animal welfare very interesting and want to pursue it in the future!” — T.G.

“I would like to be part of the team which ensures the food that the public eats is safe for consumption. I would ideally do one day a week as an OV alongside a four-day working week. I am also interested in being part of the APHA later in my career, involved in policy making and dealing with outbreaks.” — A.S.