UK Animal Care Technicians

UK Animal Care Technicians was started as a Facebook group in 2019 as a means to facilitate more communication between staff caring for animals in an educational setting.

In 2021 UKACT held it's first CPD conference at Halesowen College. Since then the conference has been held annually along with a number of other CPD events.

By 2022 the group was being used by over 1,000 members, as a way of networking, seeking support and sharing best practice.

Throughout the development of the Facebook group, it became more and more apparent that there were very varying standards of welfare and practices within the sector.

In 2023 a team of 5 Unit Managers set out to develop the Facebook group in to a professional association, and here we are.

Photo Credit: Ricky Johnson, Halesowen College

Our Vision

To connect staff from animal-based education facilities, to share information and best practice, for the purpose of improving husbandry standards and animal welfare, developing knowledge and skills and enhancing student experience.

To achieve the vision, UKACT will focus on three key objectives:

Animal Health and Welfare

To demonstrate and promote best practice through high standards of care and husbandry for animals.
To enhance health and welfare in educational institutions through the sharing and collaboration of animal husbandry examples, policies and standard operating procedures
To exceed the minimum expectations outlined by legislation and/or industry standards and engage with changes to regulations.
To work with veterinary professionals and experts in the field to raise welfare expectations in educational facilities.

Photo Credit: Jean-Denis Hibbitt, Kingston Maurward College

Knowledge Exchange

To provide a platform that connects animal professionals to interact and contribute to animal related issues.
To provide support where required in a constructive and professional manner.
To encourage effectual collaborations between educational facilities and with external organisations
To support research initiatives that impact the use of animals in education.

Upskilling & CPD

To organise an annual conference hosted by different collections, providing meaningful CPD and opportunities to view other facilities and network with like-minded individuals.
To promote the sector by presenting itself in a professional manner, setting an expectation that UKACT members are highly skilled in their role.
To provide a platform for professionals to upskill and develop knowledge and experience.
To facilitate the organisation of workshops throughout the year on specific topics that will enhance roles.

Photo Credit: Imogen Wright, East Durham College