Our story
Founded in 1966, the BEVA Trust serves as the philanthropic arm of BEVA.
The Trust is dedicated to enhancing equine welfare on both a local and global scale, by providing opportunities, support, and funding to enable veterinary professionals to volunteer for projects that promote better equine health and welfare, often in collaboration with other organisations. All projects supported by the BEVA Trust must meet the following criteria: ​1. Address an existing need for veterinary assistance in welfare organisations, delivering a significant, positive impact on horse welfare, whether directly or indirectly. 2. Attract sufficient interest from veterinary volunteers. 3. Ensure the safety of all participants. 4. Offer the potential to foster positive public relations for all stakeholders involved. 5. Be cost-effective, providing a strong return on financial, administrative, and volunteer investments.
Meet the team
Leaya Slater
Secretary, BEVA Trust About: Leaya joined the team in 2019 as BEVA Trust Secretariat and co-ordinates the UK and international volunteering projects.
BEVA Trust is led by a committee made up of volunteers who are responsible for overseeing, managing and developing the activities and projects the Trust undertakes.
Julian Samuelson
Committee Chair About: Julian was the Managing Director of the Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic from 2000 to 2018 where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the practice with an emphasis on the management of human, financial and physical resources. In addition, he also oversaw the governance of the practice as well as developing and implementing the strategic objectives of the business. In 2018 Julian joined CVS(UK) Ltd and became the Acquisitions and Integration Director for the Equine Division. In 2020 his role expanded to become Acquisitions Director with responsibility for all practice divisions. Julian completed an MBA at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School in 2012. He was a member of the Veterinary Services Organising Committee for the London 2012 Olympic Games (LOCOG) and part of the Field Vet Team at Greenwich Park during the Games. He has also been a member of the Board of Trustees at the Horse Trust, and the Hadlow Agricultural College Business Advisory Committee. In his role as Chair of the BEVA Trust operational committee, Julian conducted a full strategic review of the Trust’s activities and has overseen the implementation of the review’s proposals.
