Earlier this year we told you about receiving an unexpected Santa surprise when our colleagues at BSAVA gave us the good news that they would support a second series of the face-to-face Links Veterinary Training Initiative (LVTI) days.
These multi-agency days on recognising and acting on non-accidental injuries (NAI) in animals, and the link between abuse of animals and abuse of people, are open to all members of the veterinary team, as well as any interested member of the human health and safeguarding professions.
Our next full day multi-agency training event takes place at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, on Wednesday 4 June 2025, with registration from 0830.
Free to BSAVA members and only £50 inclusive of VAT for non-members, this day is for any and every member of the veterinary team who wants to find out more about “The Link” between abuse of animals and abuse of people, and how to manage this in the practice situation. An unparalleled aspect of this day is the ability to learn from and share best practice with guests from our allied professions in the fields of safeguarding people.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some information on our speakers for the day, both here and on our social channels, starting with Dr. Ian Futter, BVMS MRCVS.
Find out more about the Links multi-agency training days through this article published in the April edition of BSAVA’s Companion magazine.
Places are strictly limited, so book here today to ensure you don’t miss out!
The Links Group has been training members of the veterinary professions in the UK for over 20 years now. We’re grateful to the experienced and informed veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, veterinary receptionists, practice managers, vet schools and students, as well as veterinary-related associations and organisations who support our important work in many different ways. This is critical to ensure we share this knowledge safely, and in the spirit of partnership, to and from those at the coal face.
Ian is one of those friends of The Links Group. He is a speaker on both our undergraduate and postgraduate training events, and will add regional perspective (and flair!) to our first event on the second series of the LVTI days in Edinburgh this June.
Ian qualified from Glasgow Vet School in 1992 and went into mixed practice in the city for the first 7 years of his career. He was employed by the University, teaching surgery to final year vet students. Part of his role involved being one of the onsite vets providing a veterinary service at the Cardonald Dog & Cat Home, run by the Scottish SPCA.
Here, Ian learned the practical skills required to be a shelter vet. The Society wanted to create a new veterinary department and, in 2001, Ian became the first vet to run this new venture. The department subsequently expanded to cover 3 rescue centres and the wildlife centre, with a team of 24 vets and nurses.
Ian lectures regularly at vet schools on matters relating to shelter medicine. He was also one of the founding members of the Association of Charity Vets (now called the Shelter & Charity Veterinary Association) and latterly was its chair.
During his time at the Scottish SPCA, Ian developed expertise as a professional witness in animal neglect and abuse cases. He has been involved in writing statements and attending court for more than 200 such cases. He lectures vet students and has presented at conferences on the subject. Ian has now moved back into private small animal veterinary practice.
Ian will present a pragmatic and straightforward approach for working up animal welfare cases in Scotland (with relevance to England & Wales), and demonstrate how private practitioners and the Scottish SPCA can work together – an integral component of effective multi-agency working.
Find out more about the upcoming Links multi-agency training days for 2025, as well as resources, videos, events, and upcoming free webinars/training opportunities suitable for any member of the veterinary team or anyone interested in safeguarding people and animals.
