Meet Stephanie Sanderson, Vet Sustain Director

Q Please introduce yourself.

My name is Stephanie Sanderson and I am honoured to be one of the latest additions to the Vet Sustain Director Team.

I qualified from Cambridge Vet School in 1994 and after a spell in general practice (small animal and equine), my career has focused on nature conservation. I have worked in wildlife rehabilitation and management as a clinician, researcher and zoo director and in policy development at local, national and international level. Most recently I have served as executive director of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, helping vets help wildlife, and I am currently combining my work for Vet Sustain with positions at two local conservation organisations.

Q Please briefly describe your experience and interest in sustainability?

I’ve had a long-standing interest in sustainability. At Chester Zoo we were leaders in the sector and the first UK zoo to achieve ISO14001 accreditation. At EAZWV, I spearheaded their conference sustainability initiative, and I am chair of their sustainability working group. I’ve also been involved in the human element of nature conservation, developing an international nature reconnection program for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Disney Conservation Foundation and assisting with project delivery here on the Wirral through my work with Grow Wellbeing – a community-based organisation providing nature connection opportunities. As a family we also work hard to reduce our environmental footprint at home.

Q What does a typical day look like for you?

My days are highly varied as I support several organisations including Vet Sustain, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Grow Wellbeing. I could be sat at a computer in a meeting or analysing data, helping out at a community garden or setting up camp in the woods with a group who have never experienced the nature on their doorstep.

I love the variety and also the flexibility allowing me to combine my passion for wildlife with bringing up my 5yr old son.

Q What are your top tips for veterinary professionals wishing to take the first steps to drive sustainability in their roles?

For other veterinary professions taking their first steps in sustainability, I recommend starting small, celebrating your achievements and never giving up hope! There is always more that can be done, and the biodiversity and climate crises seem insurmountable. The changes that we need to make are often framed as in terms of loss and sacrifice, but this is actually a great opportunity to turn away from some of our worst habits and to help shape a sustainable future that will be so much better than we have today!

There is a groundswell of change and lots of support and ideas to help you on your way. Vet Sustain offers some brilliant resources. The carbon literacy course is a great place to start. From there you can progress to the more advanced sustainable food and farming or sustainable approach to clinical veterinary practice courses or dive straight in to taking action using the online checklists, briefing sheets and resources. We are currently working on setting up a green network that will help guide you through the process, link you up with others on the same journey, provide webinars and access to experts as well as course discounts. Vet Sustain is here for the profession, so do please feedback what support you would like to see and we will do our best to provide it.