Second Harper & Keele Vet student takes up role as Veterinary Society President

Posted 21 March 2025

Charlie Padfield

A Harper & Keele Veterinary School student has been appointed as the National Farm Animal Veterinary Society (FAVS) President for 2025–2026.

A group for students from around the UK and Ireland, the National FAVS hope to encourage more veterinary students to pursue a career in farm animal practice, providing additional opportunities, trips, and information about life as a large animal vet.

It is the second year in succession the role has been taken by a HKVS student, with Charlie Padfield following in the footsteps of current Society President Leah Griffiths. 

Growing up on a mixed farm in Sussex, Charlie has a long-standing enthusiasm for farm animal veterinary medicine. He said: “My passion for farm animal veterinary medicine comes from my experience of the industry and the level of dedication and hard work put into animal care and performance at all levels.

“Having grown up in a relatively non-rural area, I have always enjoyed educating the public on how farm animal health and welfare can be managed and optimised for performance and production. This is something I believe has a vital veterinary role and one that I am really keen to work in.”

As National FAVS President, Charlie looks forward to connecting with fellow students and industry professionals. His tenure will commence in summer 2025.

Commenting on his plans for the role, Charlie added: “I hope to build on the brilliant work done by the society already, further fostering collaboration across all the vet school farm animal veterinary societies. My goal is to help members develop their skills, expertise, and confidence, enabling us all to deliver as farm vets of the future.”

Professor Matt Jones, Head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School added: “I’m so proud of our students who have taken on these leadership roles. It puts HKVS on the map as a vet school that aims to engage our students in the importance of farming and the role of vets in supporting sustainable and healthy livestock, whether they are keen to pursue this route professionally or not. I know how much work Leah, Charlie, and many other students have put in to make sure FAVS capitalises on the amazing resources and expertise from Harper Adams and Keele that underpin our Vet School.”