Update on AVA Feedback Survey, Focus Groups and Strategic Planning

We are pleased to share an update on our ongoing efforts to better understand and support the needs of our members and the broader veterinary profession. Over the past few months we have conducted a comprehensive membership survey and held several focus groups, gathering valuable feedback and insights. We would like to share some interim results from this extensive initial review.

Key Insights and Highlights

Our AVA Feedback Survey generated significant feedback, with over 2,500 responses (members and non-members).

We followed the survey by forming and consulting with 6 focus groups, representing a wide spectrum of the veterinary community. This process was guided by a dedicated working group representative of membership and the profession, who provided valuable guidance, oversight and support to ensure the outcomes accurately reflected the needs and challenges of the profession.

Key issues highlighted by the survey and the focus groups include:

1. Attracting People to the Profession: Workforce shortages were a major concern, and feedback underscored the need for AVA’s role in reinforcing the veterinary profession as an attractive, sustainable career choice. Addressing and highlighting factors such as competitive pay, adequate support systems, and strong workplace standards were considered essential to attracting and retaining veterinarians in the workforce.
    
2. Supporting Early-Career Transitions: Respondents voiced that veterinarians face high attrition rates, especially within the first five years of practice. To retain new graduates, feedback suggested the need for improved support during the transition from student to registered practitioner, including structured mentorship, resources to manage client interactions and guidance for workplace dynamics.
    
3. Advocacy for the Profession: There was strong support for the AVA to advocate for better employment conditions, including fair pay and improved working conditions. Respondents also voiced the need for AVA’s support in creating accessible training and resources, particularly in rural areas.
    
4. Public Understanding of Veterinary Roles: Enhancing public awareness and understanding of the veterinary profession was highlighted, with a call for AVA to lead efforts in shaping public perceptions and reinforcing the vital roles that veterinarians play.
    
5. Accessible Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Members and non-members expressed concerns about the affordability and accessibility of CPD, particularly for those in rural areas. There were calls for more affordable and flexible CPD options, including online and local events.
    
6. Professional Challenges and Client Engagement: Respondents reported that managing client expectations and workplace conflicts are ongoing challenges, particularly for early-career veterinarians, expressing a desire for the AVA to provide improved support and resources for managing these aspects of veterinary practice.
    
7. Support for Mental Health and Wellbeing: Mental health challenges continue to impact the profession, and while some progress has been made, respondents asked for expanded and accessible resources for mental health support and addressing issues that impact mental health.

Enhancing Member Support and Inclusivity

In addition to the above profession-wide concerns, respondents also identified ways AVA could improve its offering to members, specifically:

• Refining the Membership Model and Pricing: A frequent theme was the need for a more flexible and affordable membership structure, with pricing options that reflect different career stages and interests.
• Improved Access to SIGs and Branches: Members and past members requested more affordable and accessible ways to engage with Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and regional branches.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Many members expressed the importance of fostering a more inclusive and diverse community.

Next Steps and Strategic Planning Process

Building on these insights, additional consultation is being undertaken to provide in-depth examination of specific issues to further inform current strategic planning and membership model review.  

We are committed to acting on the results and insights from this extensive member consultation process to deliver strategies and actions that empower the profession. Your feedback has been vital to this process, and we appreciate the time and effort you have invested in this endeavour.

A detailed update including specific actions and strategies that will form the AVA’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, as well as progress and ongoing reformation plans, will be shared with the membership in early 2025.

Thank you for your participation and for helping us shape the future of the AVA.