Christianne Glossop’s veterinary career brought her from a chance meeting aged 13 with an RVC alumna who became a lifelong mentor, through roles in large animal reproduction, to leading policy development and delivery as Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales. Now the Chair of the RVC’s Animal Care Trust, a supporter of the RCVS Fellowship and a mentor, she reflects on some of the ups, downs and adventures of her journey.
Please summarise your biography:
When I was 13 years old, I had said to my mother that I wanted to be a vet, so she took me to a local veterinary practice where I had the opportunity meet Jim Goodwin, an alumna from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) who happened to be working that day.
After that meeting, I became focused on achieving my veterinary dream and went on to follow in Jim’s footsteps, studying veterinary medicine at the RVC, graduating in 1979, before embarking on a PhD in bovine fertility. Jim has been my mentor throughout.
After completing my studies, I have split my career into what I like to call the ‘three halves’. During the first half, my career focussed on large animal reproduction, including working on artificial insemination (AI) studs for cattle and pigs, investigating herd infertility problems, research, some teaching, then as an international consultant to pig breeding companies, establishing and supporting AI studs globally. In 2001, when Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) emerged in the UK, I joined the government veterinary service to help fight the disease and then took on a permanent role.
I define the second half of my career through my government roles. First, I was a government Veterinary Officer and then, when animal health and welfare powers were devolved to Wales, I played a “wild card” and became the first Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Wales in 2005. This role fulfilled my dream of being able to lead policy development and delivery, working to Ministers, with farmers and vets, and in close collaboration with my fellow CVOs.
I stood down in 2022 and entered the third half of my career where I have the luxury of time and independence to follow my heart. Amongst other activities, I work with some charities – I am Chair of the RVC’s Animal Care Trust; and support Ripple Effect – a charity working in six African countries, raising rural families out of poverty – on their One Health agenda. I also support the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fellowship, maintain an active interest in bovine TB, and I am a mentor.
Describe your typical day from waking to sleeping:
Now that I am in the third half of my career, there is no typical day – every day is different. Although I am usually awake by 6am and start the day with a lemon and ginger tea infusion and a prayer before anything else.
If I am at home on an admin day, I deal with emails, calls, and meetings across my various voluntary roles. I sometimes have a workshop to lead or a meeting to chair or maybe drafting something bigger – I have embarked on a book, but it has a long way to go!
I’m also in training for a MyWay London marathon in the foothills of the Pyrenees in April, so have to fit in an outing of some description most days. The joy of no longer being in paid employment is I don’t have to go out training in the dark!
I may spend time with family – I have four grandchildren who are a real joy.
I may be off on an adventure with some of my trusted friends. Our last jaunt was to Florence, the next walking the “top half” of Offa’s Dyke.
I hate housework but do most of it in exchange for my husband doing all the food shopping and cooking!
If I am away, there is rarely any set agenda.
I usually enjoy a glass of wine around 5pm and am almost always tucked up in bed by 10:30pm, having remembered all my precious family in my prayers.
(It strikes me this reads like verses from Abba’s song “the day before you came”!)
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
I would describe myself as passionate, emotional, and fiercely loyal to those I care about. I also find it hard not to take everything personally.
How would others describe you in a sentence?
They would probably say that I never stop to draw breath and live my life at 100 miles an hour. I’d like to think they would see me as caring and kind, but you’d have to ask them.
What has been your top success and what have you learned from this?
Work-wise, it would be marking 17 years as CVO Wales, with all its ups and downs, challenges and victories, happy days and sad. We did some good things for animal health and welfare in Wales and beyond – we were a winning team – but it was definitely an all-consuming role. I loved it, despite the tricky times and the tears.
On a personal level, apart from my gorgeous children (and I guess they aren’t really my success but their own), it is probably completing the Marathon des Chateaux du Medoc a couple of years ago. It was hard, but the buzz I felt on the finishing line was unbelievable. They say that “there will be days you don’t think you can run a marathon but a lifetime of knowing you have” – and this rings true.
What has been your biggest challenge, setback or failure and how have you overcome it? How did you grow or change as a result?
I would say that stepping away from full-time paid work was a huge personal challenge. When I was preparing to stand down from my role as Chief Veterinary Officer, I took on a life coach to guide me through the last nine months which was a huge learning curve. She helped me define my legacy, thoroughly enjoy the time I had left, hand the baton on with grace, and shape my future after life as a CVO. The role is still there; it is just no longer mine – and life goes on. That was the (hard) lesson I learned.
What compromises have you had to make and what, if anything, could have helped?
I definitely prioritised my career as a vet which absolutely demanded compromises in my personal family time more than I would’ve liked. I was so wrapped up in my work, and so afraid I would lose my place if I got off the merry-go-round, that I missed out on some precious times with my children. I don’t think they lost out – they were always well cared-for and very, very loved – but I know I definitely missed out on time I can’t get back. Talking to new graduates now, I believe they have a much better understanding of the need for a good work/life balance than I ever did when I was starting out. Family time is now an absolute priority.
What advice would you have given to your younger self, that you would now give to others wanting to follow your path?
I would tell my younger self that whatever path you choose, make sure you believe in what you are doing and make sure you can look yourself in the mirror every morning. I would also advise her to take time to reflect and don’t be afraid to change direction – a veterinary degree opens many doors, and it’s fine to go through more than one through your career. Make sure you have a good support network of trusted friends. And remember those who helped you along the way can never be repaid directly – their gifts of time and encouragement and wisdom are priceless. But stand ready to pay it forward.
I couldn’t have got where I am today without…
Parents who believed in me, my lifelong friend and mentor vet Jim Goodwin, a husband who has supported me through everything, children and grandchildren who made it all worthwhile, some amazing friends who have always watched my back, and the grace of God.
“Whatever path you choose, make sure you believe in what you are doing”
What are your three top likes?
Floating in the sunny Caribbean Sea.
Long distance walking.
A long lazy meal with friends and family.
What are your three top dislikes?
Where do I start and how do I confine this list to three?! Here goes…
Cruelty – child, adult, animal – it’s never ever acceptable.
A discouraging word – it can be so negative, dangerous and long lasting. I appreciate we all need constructive, honest feedback to grow, but there are ways of doing this without breaking someone’s spirit.
The thought of (unchosen) loneliness – it breaks my heart. Of course there are times for solitude, but on your own terms.
What is the most helpful book you’ve read and why?
That’s a hard question – there are so many. If I have to choose only one it would be the Bible – a complete handbook to life. And the book I reach for when I need encouragement and affirmation has to be The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesey. It says it all.
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