IVC Evidensia develops a BAME scholarship scheme

A new scholarship to fund up to twelve vet school undergraduates from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds is being set up by one of Europe’s largest veterinary groups, IVC Evidensia, who desires to play its part in enhancing diversity in the veterinary field.

Group referral director, Amanda Boag, who is driving the activity, stated that she would be working beside universities, as well as other partners to raise awareness of the available funding.

Steve Clarke, Group Chief Executive, stated that IVC Evidensia would also make sure a mentoring programme, support network and support for student societies would be in place.

Boag stated: “As industry leaders, we need to make sure we are at the forefront of driving the industry forward. Encouraging diversity within our group is hugely important to us and this scholarship scheme is a great start. It will help pave the way for more positive changes in the industry we work in and love, improving it for future generations.”

Clarke stated: “As a gay person who grew up in the nineteen-seventies and eighties, I fully understand prejudice and the impact it can have, especially in the workplace. We are committed to promoting equality in every aspect of our working lives, regardless of colour, gender, sexual orientation, disability or religion. We take seriously our responsibility to build a culture and organisation that respects diversity and inclusion. We take this stance not to garner publicity, but to demonstrate our support to all our workforce and the clients and communities in which we all work. The BAME scholarship scheme is part of this initiative. But it’s not just about giving money, it’s about action too. That’s why we also recognise the need to build a support network for these undergraduates to thrive and flourish and we want our BAME colleagues to be fully involved in the planning of that support.”