BEVA expands Leg Up coaching scheme
Heather Frenkiel (left) has received mentoring from Cat Mackenzie (right) as part of the Leg Up scheme.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has expanded its Leg Up mentoring scheme, extending the period in which recent graduates can participate from the first three years after graduation to the first five years.
First launched in September 2019, the programme provides career support for graduates by pairing them with an experienced equine veterinary surgeon.
The popularity of the scheme has led to its extension, with many graduates keen for support with career decisions and help with their wellbeing as they navigate their first years working in the profession.
Equine veterinary surgeons who choose to become Leg Up coaches are provided with training, including workshops, discussion forums and online toolkits, to help them offer the right support and guidance to their paired graduate.
Heather Frenkiel, who graduated from Edinburgh in 2019, is one graduate who has benefited from the scheme, receiving mentoring from veterinary surgeon Cat Mackenzie, who works in Newmarket.
Ms Frenkiel said: “I can think of so many colleagues who would have benefited from coaching. Sometimes I think you worry and think that career coaching means you must have a game plan and a goal that you want to reach, but actually it doesn’t need to be that - it can just be about making the most out of where you are currently so that you are as happy as you can be.”
Kate Blakeman, the BEVA Council member leading the Leg Up scheme, added: “Career coaching empowers you to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing in your job. It’s all about gaining the support, tools and guidance you need so that you can both recognise and achieve your potential and make decisions about your future.”
Members can apply to join the scheme on the BEVA website.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
