Supporting the Regional Community: Matt’s BSAVA Volunteer Journey

10 February 2025

We have over 350 volunteers in a range of roles at the BSAVA. From being on our regional committees, through to being the BSAVA President, there’s a whole community working together for the small animal profession.

We spoke to Regional Chair, Matt Erskine, about how his volunteer journey began with us, his general role and responsibilities as a volunteer, and his favourite aspects of volunteering.

Could you tell us how your volunteer journey with BSAVA started?

I initially joined the Scottish committee in 2017 after seeing a Facebook post that the committee were looking for new members.

What are your general responsibilities as a volunteer for BSAVA?

I now sit as the Chair of Regions, which involves providing leadership and support to all the regional committees across the UK to continue providing high quality CPD for our members across the UK. I also still sit on the Scottish committee as a regional volunteer which involves planning and organising local CPD for our members in Scotland.

How did you decide you wanted to be a volunteer?

I was keen to become more involved in the veterinary community within Scotland and wanted to be part of the process in developing and running CPD courses within the region.

What’s your favourite aspect of volunteering?

One of the best parts of volunteering is the people you meet whilst doing it! The chance to get to know and work with such a diverse and passionate group of veterinary colleagues across the UK is truly unique and builds an incredible network. Volunteering has also consistently given me opportunities to develop my own skillsets and push me out of my comfort zone, whether this be building budgets for the region, chairing meetings or public speaking.

Have you had any memorable experiences whilst volunteering?

My first year within the Scottish Committee I found myself saying yes to most things which resulted in an eventful first BSAVA Alba Conference. Not only did I have to dust off my trusty deck of playing cards to provide some magic as the pre-dinner entertainment, but I also ended up running the annual BSAVA PetSavers raffle which to my delight generated a record amount of around £800 for PetSavers, which would continue to fund research to improve animal health. This was topped off with a fantastic ceilidh (traditional Scottish dancing) and getting the chance to teach many of the delegates the steps.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your volunteering experience?

Saying ‘yes’ to opportunities creates even more opportunities!

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for the first time?

Get involved! Dip your toe! Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big commitment, and you can choose how much you want to take on. There is a wealth of experience and support from current volunteers so talk to them about it and come to a meeting to see if it’s for you.

Interested in volunteering for the BSAVA?

We have opportunities to volunteer for us throughout the year. Head to our volunteer opportunities page to see what roles are currently available, but if there’s nothing that piques your interest just yet, feel free to email our Volunteer Manager, Carole on volunteer@bsava.com for an informal chat about what you’re looking for!