§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What training methods and promotion criteria were used for the appointment of (a) divisional veterinary officers and (b) divisional veterinary managers prior to reorganisation; and what were their duties and responsibilities; and [HL2765]
What training methods and promotion criteria were used for senior posts at the State Veterinary Service's Tolworth Centre prior to reorganisation; and what training methods and promotion criteria are currently used for senior posts in Page Street. [HL2766]
§ Lord WhittyThe criteria for promotion within the State Veterinary Service continues to be based on merit. Opportunities for training and career development are available to all staff and can be provided by colleagues, on-line, training branch, the Civil Service College and external providers where appropriate.
Neither the criteria for promotion nor the provision of training to staff were affected by the relocation of HQ state veterinary staff from Tolworth to Page Street.
The duties of divisional veterinary officers and divisional veterinary managers include management and organisation of financial and manpower resources, operational direction of animal health and welfare issues, and liaison and representation with outside bodies. The change in title and grade was made following the restructuring of the SVS and the MAFF regional organisation in 1995 and reflected an increase in the resources being managed by the DVM when compared with a DVO.