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The Links Group
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Our Vision

A world free from the abuse of people and animals.

Our Mission

We raise awareness of the link between the abuse of people and animals through support, training and inter-agency working.

Our Values

  • We educate with compassion
  • We communicate and collaborate.
  • We are supportive and non-judgemental.
  • We work with respect and sensitivity.
  • We promote good human and animal welfare.
  • We are evidence-based and empathetic.

links group committee

Paula Boyden, BVetMed, MRCVS

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

Vicki Betton, BA (Hons), PGDip IDM

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  Chair of the Links Group, Paula graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 1992. She spent 11 years in general practice before moving into a technical role in industry in 2003. 

Paula joined Dogs Trust in 2010, where she is now Veterinary Director. In addition to veterinary matters, her responsibilities include Dogs Trust’s outreach work, campaigns and public affairs. In addition to being Chair of the Links Group Paula is regularly involved in undergraduate training on Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) within the UK veterinary schools. 

Paula is a founder member and past treasurer of the Association of Charity Vets and board member of the Blue Dog Trust.  She chairs the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), is vice chair of the Canine and Feline Sector group, sits on the RSPCA’s Prosecutions Oversight Panel and is a member of the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission. In 2017 she received BSAVA’s J A Wight Memorial Award for her contribution to the welfare of companion animals. 

Vicki Betton, BA (Hons), PGDip IDM

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

Vicki Betton, BA (Hons), PGDip IDM

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Vicki has worked at PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, since 2006, establishing a national youth engagement and schools teaching programme, and a national community education scheme. 

Now leading their Veterinary Policy & Campaigns team, she’s responsible for producing the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, development of the organisation’s research and evidence strategy and their policy and campaigning activities. 

Vicki also represents PDSA on a number of government and sector working groups and manages PDSA’s joint working with other organisations to tackle issues identified in the PAW Report, and those affecting the wider pet population of the UK. These include issues such as the online advertising of pets for sale, the health and welfare of brachycephalic dogs, and the link between animal abuse and family violence, for which she received BSAVA’s Ray Butcher Award in 2018.

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

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Mike is the Links Group’s Treasurer and has been Head of Operations for Cats Protection since 2016. As part of this role he oversees Paws Protect, CP’s temporary fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse

Prior to joining CP Mike spent 20 years in various public and voluntary sector roles, most recently as Assistant Director of Volunteering and Community Involvement at the National Trust. He is passionate about developing the role the voluntary sector plays in society.

Mike is also a Trustee of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes and member of the Canal and River Trust’s Volunteering Advisory Panel. He holds an MBA from the Open University Business School and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

Wendy Sneddon, MSc, Assoc MCIPD

Lynn Wardlaw, MA, PGDip IA, Assoc MCIPD

Mike Elliott, BSc (Hons), MBA, FCMI

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Wendy is a qualified veterinary nurse, with extensive business and Human Resources experience.

Wendy heads up her own HR Consultancy as well as acting as Trustee for a number of charities.

Lynn Wardlaw, MA, PGDip IA, Assoc MCIPD

Lynn Wardlaw, MA, PGDip IA, Assoc MCIPD

Lynn Wardlaw, MA, PGDip IA, Assoc MCIPD

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Lynn has a background in HR and Marketing in a range of industries including veterinary practice and agriculture. 

the golden moment

Dr Freda Scott-Park

The Golden Moment

Dr Freda Scott-Park from The Links Group spoke to the Animal Welfare Foundation about "The Golden Moment" in 2013. In this, she explains the role the veterinary profession can play in grasping that moment when it is possible to help victims of domestic abuse, both animals and people. You can view her talk here.

OUR TEN YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (2020 - 2030)

  1. Develop the Links Group as a sustainable organisation.
  2. Deliver one under-graduate training course per year in all UK vet schools.
  3. Deliver 3 funded LVTI days per year alongside partner organisations at different locations across the UK.
  4. Develop an LVTI online training course for vet teams.
  5. Create a suite of resources and collateral for vet teams.
  6. To have over 1,000 safeguarding liaison officers in organisations.
  7. To fully establish the Links Group as the go-to expert resource on this issue.
  8. To increase the provision of pet fostering services across the UK.
  9. To set appropriate standards for pet fostering services.
  10. Establish an overarching and underpinning marketing and communications plan.

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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

  

  • Veterinary undergraduate training - we have a presence in nearly all UK vet schools, educating third year students on the link
  • Launched a nationwide training programme the Links Veterinary Training Initiative (LVTI) in partnership with BSAVA
  • Online module for healthcare professionals
  • The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has added an annexe to the Guide to Professional Conduct providing advice on breaching confidentiality in certain circumstances.


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Member ORGANISATIONS

BVNA

MSD Animal Health

MSD Animal Health

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MSD Animal Health

MSD Animal Health

MSD Animal Health

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Dogs Trust

MSD Animal Health

Dogs Trust

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pdsa

Paws Protect

Dogs Trust

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Refuge4Pets

Paws Protect

Paws Protect

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Paws Protect

Paws Protect

Paws Protect

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Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

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RSPCA

Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

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Scottish SPCA

Brownlow Vet Group (IVC)

Scottish SPCA

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Forensic Access Limited

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

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Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL)

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Blue Cross

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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