Our governance
The main decision-making, executive and managerial bodies at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
The VMD Framework Document sets out the VMD’s governance and accountability arrangements.
VMD Management Board
The Board ensures that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control. It provides:
- advice on strategy
- advice on implementation of policies and business objectives
- advice on achieving value for money
- scrutiny of performance
- support and challenge on the delivery of VMD responsibilities and the exercise of the CEO’s responsibilities as Accounting Officer (AO)
Non-executive members
Alison White, non-executive Director and Chair
Appointed Non-Executive Director to the VMD in August 2023
David Catlow non-executive director
Appointed Non-Executive Director to the VMD in December 2018.
Sian Wright, Boardroom apprentice
Temporary appointment to the Board.
Defra members
- Sally Randall, Director General for Food, Biosecurity and Trade
- Abigail Seager, CEO, VMD
- Gavin Hall, Deputy CEO and Director of Authorisations
- Muiz Agbaje, Head of Finance, VMD
- Mike Griffiths, Head of Business Support Division, VMD
The Board meets 4 times a year.
Members’ Interests
Board members have declared the following interests:
| Name | Name of Company | Position Held | Type of Interest or Organisation (such as pay, fees, shareholding) |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Catlow | British Veterinary Association | Member | N/A |
| British Equine Veterinary Association | Member | N/A | |
| Retraining of Racehorses | Managing Director | Pay |
| Alison White | None |
|---|---|
| Abigail Seager | None |
| Gavin Hall | None |
| Mike Griffiths | None |
Minutes
If you would like previous meeting minutes or more information on any of the topics discussed email your request to postmaster@vmd.gov.uk
VMD Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC)
ARAC is a committee of the VMD Management Board.
ARAC supports and advises the Board and AO on issues of risk, control, governance and assurance and other related matters and assists internal audit’s role and status within the agency.
It has no executive powers or responsibilities. It meets 4 times a year.
Members
The VMD’s 4 non-executive Directors.
Representatives from the VMD’s senior management, the National Audit Office, Defra and the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) (VMD’s internal auditors) attend as advisers. Defra officials are invited to attend as required.
Minutes
If you would like previous meeting minutes or more information on any of the topics, email your request to postmaster@vmd.gov.uk
VMD Quarterly Performance Review Board (QPRB)
The Quarterly Performance Review, chaired by the Defra DG FBT system, facilitates formal reporting on both the VMD’s delivery of policy objectives and performance against budget. The VMD’s CEO attends this meeting along with other Defra and VMD officials as required.
VMD Executive Management Board
The board meets weekly to discuss the finances and day-to-day running of the VMD.
Members
The board members are:
- Abigail Seager, Director and CEO, VMD
- Gavin Hall, Deputy CEO and Director of Authorisations, VMD
- Mike Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Business Support Division, VMD
- Lee Grist, Acting Head of Inspections and Enforcement Division
- Dr Suzanne Eckford, Head of International Office
- Dr Kitty Healey, Head of Surveillance Division