Richard qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1991 and brings experience across clinical, academic and commercial veterinary sectors. He was awarded a fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2020 for meritorious contributions to the profession, a PhD in 1999 in biochemical pharmacology, and a master’s in medical education in 2012. He has worked commercially for a major pharmaceutical company, was part of the management team that set up the veterinary school at the University of Nottingham, and was CEO of Langford Vets.