Dr David Tweedle

BVetMed MRCVS

Candidate 13 of 15

Proposers

Dr Jonathan Garratt MRCVS

Mr Nicholas Morrell MRCVS

Contact details

A Bath Vet Group, Rosemary Lodge Veterinary Hospital, Wellsway, Bath

T 01225 832 521

M 07436 804 602

E [email protected]

W www.bathvetgroup.co.uk

Candidate biography

I graduated from the RVC in 2004 and have built my career around first-opinion practice and developed a strong belief in the important role of the GP vet. My early career was spent in busy practices in Cheshire, where I developed broad clinical skills and first-hand experience of the realities of client-facing practice.

Alongside clinical work, I took on leadership roles, managing branch surgeries and completing a business management qualification with the Institute of Leadership & Management.

In 2010, I relocated to Bath to manage a newly formed group of practices. I joined the Board of Directors at Bath Vets in 2014 and later became Principal Clinical Director. I am currently responsible for five branches, a large hospital with an out-of-hours provider, and a referral practice. I have deliberately maintained a high clinical and client-facing workload to ensure the way I lead remains grounded in day-to-day practice life.

Since 2017, I have served on the IVC Evidensia Clinical Board, becoming Vice Chair in 2019, Chair in 2022, and recently took on the role of Senior Vice Chair.

In my spare time I coach rugby at my local club and enjoy open water swimming, running and fair-weather cycling.

Candidate statement

• Why do you want to stand to be a member of RCVS Council?

My perception of the RCVS has changed over my career. As a new graduate, I thought it felt somewhat distant – an organisation associated more with discipline than support and guidance.

I now appreciate that the RCVS is a vital professional body with a crucial role in setting standards, providing guidance, and supporting ethical, high-quality care. It should be an open, trusted organisation that listens to the profession and evolves alongside it.

There is still work to be done to realise this vision. Vets and nurses face unprecedented challenges, felt most acutely in first-opinion practice. General practice is the backbone of our profession and GP vets are tasked with the huge responsibility of providing essential first line treatment whilst practising in a pragmatic way; yet we often feel undervalued and unheard.

I want to stand for Council to express my views as a GP vet. My aim is to help bridge the gap between the RCVS and those working on the frontline of the profession. I want the RCVS to be seen as a trusted, benevolent and credible guide – helping veterinary professionals to build enjoyable, sustainable careers, whilst protecting both the public and the profession.

• What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?

I believe I can bring a clear and grounded perspective of general practice shared by a large cohort of veterinary professionals; experienced GP vets who remain clinically active, highly client-facing, and deeply invested in delivering ethical, high-quality care.

Whilst I do not hold extensive post-nominals, I have over twenty years of hands-on clinical experience. I am proud of my role as a GP vet and of the practical knowledge that underpins a good first opinion practitioner. I aim to continue practicing throughout my tenure which will allow me to experience, first-hand, the real-world implications of any imposed regulations.

Alongside my clinical work, I enjoy being a coach and leader and I believe that I do this with integrity and professionalism. I am comfortable making balanced decisions that consider both clinical standards and the realities of day-to-day practice.

Like many vets, I have had moments where I questioned my career choice – but ultimately, I love being a vet and remain deeply proud of the profession. It upsets me that the profession has had some unfavourable press over the last couple of years, and I feel strongly that the voices of hardworking, GP vets need to be heard.

• What relevant experience do you have?

There is no substitute for being actively involved in clinical practice. I continue to consult and operate regularly, which keeps me closely connected to the challenges faced by both clients and practice teams.

As Director of a group of practices, I have extensive leadership experience, including making difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions whilst communicating them clearly, whether one-to-one or to large groups.

My experience at national level includes serving as Chair of a Clinical Board, where I worked collaboratively whilst upholding my own values. I was a member of the Patient Safety Working Party and played a key role in the development and national rollout of a clinical standards benchmarking programme across more than 1,000 practices. During my time as Chair, I led the Board through a period of change, helping to modernise its approach while improving diversity, inclusivity, and engagement.

Together, these experiences have equipped me with a practical understanding of clinical practice, leadership, governance, and change management – skills I would bring to the RCVS Council in the service of both the profession and the public.

• Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your candidacy?

I fully appreciate the scale and complexity of the tasks facing the RCVS Council. The profession is navigating a period of significant changes and challenges. Council members must balance public protection with compassion, proportionality, and a genuine understanding of modern veterinary practice. I feel I have the necessary experience to take on this responsibility and I am committed to contributing to the ongoing discussion constructively and thoughtfully.

I am hardworking, approachable, and respected by colleagues. I have faced personal and professional challenges throughout my career, and believe setbacks are an inevitable and valuable part of growth. I am motivated by supporting others to define and achieve their goals, particularly during periods of uncertainty or transition. This led to my involvement in mentoring and coaching prospective veterinary students through the application process, something I find both grounding and rewarding.

I remain deeply proud to be a GP vet and am passionate about supporting and championing the role. Electing me would mean having a strong, practising GP voice in Council and, if successful, I would bring commitment, experience and a unique perspective and would be proud to serve the profession at this important time.