By Anthony Ridge, Deputy Head of Veterinary Trade Facilitation, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
I’ve spent the past eight years as a government vet, starting at the Animal and Plant Health Agency and now working in Defra as a trade veterinary advisor. Along the way, I’ve been part of two key communities that support government vets: the Association of Government Vets (AGV) and the Government Veterinary Service (GVS).
You may be wondering, what’s AGV? Isn’t that the same as the GVS? If so, you’re not alone. Their names sound similar, but they serve different purposes. This blog breaks down what each organisation does, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
Both AGV and GVS exist to support government vets, offering professional development, networking, and outreach opportunities. But they operate in different ways:- AGV is a membership organisation linked to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).- GVS is the official Civil Service profession for vets working in government.
Let’s look at each in more detail.
The Association of Government Vets (AGV)AGV is a specialist division of the British Veterinary Association, not part of the Civil Service. It welcomes:- Current and former government vets- Vets outside the Civil Service who deliver services for government- Veterinary students interested in public sector work
What does AGV do?Provides CPD opportunities and networking including an annual conference alongside the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA)Represents UK government vets in BVA consultations and policy positionsMaintains international links with organisations like the Federation of Vets in Europe (FVE) and European Association of State Veterinary Officers (EASVO)
I first came across AGV in 2016 when I attended one of the annual conferences it holds alongside the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA), another BVA specialist division.
From the outset I was inspired by the sense of purpose and the community. Here being a vet was all about making a positive difference not just to the animals under our care but to the society we live in. This resonated with me and was a major part of my decision to join the Civil Service. The community brought together a mix of vets at all stages of their career from veterinary students keen to learn more about what government vets do through to retired vets who had built long and distinguished careers in public sector work.
Since then, I’ve attended every conference and served on the AGV Council, first as Treasurer and now as President. Council members volunteer to:
- Co-organise the AGV/VPHA conference and other CPD activities- Manage AGV’s accounts, website, and communications- Provide a representative voice for UK government vets into BVA consultations and policy positions.- Maintain international links with Federation of Vets in Europe (FVE) and the European Association of State Veterinary Officers (EASVO) to develop and influence Europe wide vet policy positions.
Membership costs £40 per year.Members receive a discount on the annual conference fee, regular updates on AGV activities, and opportunities to join AGV Council.You can learn more at www.agv.org.uk
Anthony (back right) attending a BVA workshop with representatives from other BVA specialist divisions
Anthony welcoming delegates to the annual VPHA and AGV Conference, September 2025 The Government Veterinary Service (GVS)GVS is the specialist profession for vets within the Civil Service, led by the UK Chief Veterinary Officer. All UK public sector vets are automatically members of GVS.
What does GVS do?- Supports career development for government vets- Runs blogs, “lunch and learn” sessions, and outreach activities- Coordinates the GVS Ambassador network, which promotes government vet careers at schools, universities, and conferences- Hosts stands at major events like the London Vet Show
When I joined the Civil Service, I volunteered to support some of the outreach work that GVS does. I joined a network of volunteers, now called the GVS Ambassador network, that includes representatives from departments across the Civil Service.
In this role, I have given talks at schools, universities, veterinary conferences and careers fairs to raise awareness of government veterinary roles. I also take part in the annual Vets in Government Week, which gives veterinary students the opportunity to spend a week meeting vets working across the Civil Service and gaining insight into the work we do.
In recent years, I have volunteered at the GVS and APHA stands during the London Vet Show, the UK’s largest veterinary conference. This has provided opportunities to engage with hundreds of veterinary professionals, promote awareness of government veterinary work, and support recruitment into Civil Service roles.
Anthony (left) with APHA colleagues at London Vet Show, November 2025
GVS and AGV comparison table
Table 1: GVS and AGV comparison Read more about civil service professions here.
Read more about BVA divisions here.
If you’re a GVS vet and are interested in contributing (for example, by providing a Lunch and Learn session, writing a blog or volunteering at London Vet Show), please contact the GVS team (gvs@defra.gov.uk).
https://vets.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/02/government-veterinary-communities-explained-agv-gvs/
seen at 10:50, 2 March in Government Vets.