Following a period of significant progress, growth and renewed ambition for the organisation, the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) will shortly begin the search for a new Chair as Michael Seals prepares to step down from the role he has held since March 2022.

During his tenure, Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping AMTRA's strategic direction, championing the value of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) and helping to strengthen the organisation's position as the UK's leading and biggest SQP regulator and supporter of the profession. Throughout his time as Chair, he has consistently advocated for high standards in training, continuing professional development and professional excellence, while encouraging AMTRA to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the sector. A key part of that legacy has been his support for raising the profile of SQPs beyond the profession itself, including through the inception and delivery of National SQP Week, a new annual campaign designed to grow awareness and understanding of the SQP role. Launched for the first time in June this year, the campaign was met with strong industry support and has created an important platform for celebrating SQP expertise, collaboration and professional pride.

Bringing extensive experience from across farming, animal health, government and industry, Michael Seals joined AMTRA with a clear vision: to take a proactive approach to identifying future opportunities, driving positive change and ensuring the organisation remained relevant, influential and forward-looking. That vision has helped shape a period of transformation and ambition for AMTRA, including strengthening stakeholder relationships, expanding professional development opportunities and promoting a more joined-up approach between SQPs, vets and wider animal health stakeholders. It has also helped raise awareness of the increasingly important contribution SQPs make to animal health, animal welfare and the responsible use and stewardship of veterinary medicines.

Under his leadership, AMTRA has continued to champion the expertise of SQPs at a national and local level, celebrate excellence through its awards programme, launch new initiatives to support professional development, and drive professionalism, standards and CPD excellence across the sector. These efforts have helped increase recognition of the profession's vital contribution to the animal health sector and leave AMTRA well-positioned for its next chapter, with National SQP Week standing out as a highly visible and lasting example and legacy of that progress.

Reflecting on his time as Chair, which will formally come to an end in March 2027 following a handover with the new Chair once they have been appointed, Michael said: "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of AMTRA and to work alongside a passionate and dedicated Board, Council and executive team. Throughout my time in the role, I have been continually impressed by the professionalism, expertise and commitment of SQPs across the country. They play an essential role in supporting animal health and welfare, and I am enormously proud of the progress we have made together to strengthen awareness and recognition of that contribution.

“As AMTRA prepares to recruit its next Chair, the organisation does so from a position of strength, with a clear sense of purpose, a strong platform for future growth and a renewed opportunity to build on the momentum generated through initiatives such as National SQP Week.”

AMTRA CEO, Stephen Dawson, said: “The Board, Council and executive team would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Michael Seals for his leadership, commitment and unwavering support of the organisation and the wider profession. Michael remains in post for a little while yet and will actively be supporting the recruitment of the next Chair.”

Michael continues: “AMTRA is looking for a Chair who can bring strategic leadership, sound governance experience and strong ambassadorial skills to help guide the organisation through its next phase of development. The successful candidate will need to build trusted relationships across government, regulation, industry and the wider animal health sector, while championing the continued growth, recognition and value of SQPs and the vital role they play in supporting animal health, welfare and responsible medicines use.”

For details about the AMTRA Chair role which is now open for applications (closing date 30 September 2026), visit: amtra.org.uk/recruitment

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