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Skills for life: a vet in the TA

CHRIS LAURENCE has spent nearly all his working life in the Territorial Army (TA). He was an officer for almost 38 years and retired in 2002 with the rank of colonel. Many of the skills he acquired in that time have not only stood him in good stead in civilian life, but have also helped him in his veterinary career. Personal discipline, organisational and time management skills, the ability to analyse a variety of factors and present a concise reasoned argument, confidence in public speaking, and financial and budgetary experience have helped him to transfer smoothly from veterinary practice to senior management in two of the largest animal welfare charities in the UK.

Chris Laurence graduated from Bristol veterinary school in 1968. He spent 30 years in veterinary practice, for the most part as a partner in a small animal practice in Wiltshire. In 1998, he joined the RSPCA as assistant chief veterinary officer, and was promoted to its chief veterinary officer in 1999. In 2003, he took up the post of veterinary director for Dogs Trust. Although his work focuses on dogs, he retains an interest in other species and is a trustee of the Feline Advisory Bureau and a member of the BVA's Veterinary Policy Group. He was awarded the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal (the only TA-specific medal) in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2002.