Our Volunteers
The continued success and growth of the AZEVN is due to the significant contribution that our members and volunteers make to help ensure that we can keep closely aligned with our core values and help to facilitate the exchange of information and networking between RVNs to help promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary nursing within Zoo, Exotic & Wildlife Institutions.
“The AZEVN is an organisation which has been there for me throughout my training as a Veterinary Nurse, and continues to provide me with support and networking opportunities. I jumped at the opportunity to become an AZEVN volunteer, for a chance to give back to the exotic nursing community, and to provide support where possible to the committee. The AZEVN conference is a unique event that is welcoming and informative, and where I always learn something new. I would urge anyone with the time and passion for exotic nursing to apply for a volunteer position with the AZEVN, for an opportunity to be involved in something great!”
Hayley Ayers RVN BSc (hons) CertVN ECC APVNES (Herp, Avian) – 2024-25 & 2025-26 AZEVN Volunteer
“Creating a knowledge-rich environment, supported and surrounded by other like-minded individuals, is vital to our continual professional development as Veterinary Nurses. The AZEVN work tirelessly to provide this to all Veterinary Professionals, ensuring our patients receive the very best care possible. Whilst volunteering for AZEVN, I have been inspired by the passion, dedication and knowledge of the committee. Not only do they support the veterinary nursing community, but they also help other veterinary and wildlife organisations. I feel very proud to be a part of something so special.”
Joanna Noble RVN – 2019-20 & 2020-21 AZVEN Volunteer
“I applied to be an AZEVN Volunteer because I wanted to be apart of something unique, to help support other VNs and network with like minded professionals in the hopes of improving animal welfare. I have loved my time as an AZEVN Volunteer and encourage others to apply for this amazing opportunity.”
Kelly Deane FdSc RVN – 2018-19 AZVEN Volunteer
“Volunteering with the AZEVN has been a great experience. I have been able to get involved and assist with the running of this fantastic association, helping to share knowledge and passion for zoo and exotic nursing, and getting to watch the association grow and welcome new members. I have gained confidence in public speaking, as well as having great opportunities to see (and contribute to!) all the hard work that goes into the association’s beautifully informative website and annual conferences. The AZEVN team have been supportive and welcoming during my time involved with them – as a delegate and volunteer. I feel incredibly proud to have been a part of it, and will continue to be involved for many years to come!”
Charlotte Busuttil BSc (Hons) RVN, DipVNZS APVN(Zoo) – 2021-22 & 2022-23 AZEVN Volunteer
So you want to be an AZEVN Volunteer?
We’re so happy you are interested in joining the committee as a volunteer member!
Joining the AZEVN volunteer program is a brilliant way of getting involved in the planning, organisation and delivery of zoo, exotic and wildlife CPD, including our online CPD event and annual, in-person conference.
Please find some more information about the AZEVN Volunteer roles below.
A volunteer period last for 15 months, which includes a handover period. The new volunteers will start handover from previous volunteers after our annual in-person conference in May/June.
This handover period will end on the day of AZEVN Bytes (our online CPD event) in October.
We ask that you are able and willing to commit to 1-2 days a month to assist the committee with projects and work on the volunteer task list as required.
The requirement and number of the Volunteer positions will be based on the needs of the association and reviewed and decided on annually by the AZEVN Officer team.
- Jointly create the annual AZEVN Newsletter, in conjunction with the AZEVN Marketing Co-Ordinator, to be distributed to all members within six months of the annual conference.
- Present a 10-minute case study or a poster presentation at the annual AZEVN Conference. This isn’t as scary as it sounds and you will be fully supported by the committee to do this.
- Assist AZEVN Officers where necessary to ensure the smooth operation of AZEVN Events.
- Actively engage with the AZEVN Committee to provide support.
You will be supported throughout your time as a volunteer committee member by the Chair & Assistant Marketing Coordinator, alongside the rest of the committee; you will be given projects to complete and they will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have during your volunteer period.
Great question – it’s not all work, work, work; you will be rewarded for your hard work through the 15 months of volunteering with AZEVN.
The volunteer(s) will receive;
- 1 x free ticket to the annual AZEVN conference
- 1 x AZEVN Volunteer T-shirt
- Involvement in planning and improving/advancing the next AZEVN conference
- Mileage to the conference paid for, within reasonable limits
- To be a current full member of the AZEVN and have attended at least 1 AZEVN Conference.
- Applications are open to RVN’s and SVN’s.
- To be working with a caseload that includes zoo, exotic or wildlife species to be able to present on a topic that will provide a benefit/learning opportunity for AZEVN Members.
- Having competence in using the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word & Publisher) and any experience using design software will help to ensure the production of the AZEVN Newsletter is to a professional standard.
- To have a “can-do” attitude and work ethic to be able to operate as part of the AZEVN team and have a positive influence on the reputation of the AZEVN within the wider context of the Zoo, Exotic and Wildlife Veterinary Nursing Industry.
- To be comfortable and competent in using social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram to help the AZEVN continue to grow and interact with members.
- To be able to commit to providing time on a monthly basis throughout the year or as required.
