The Veterinary Medicines Directorate protects animal health, public health and the environment. We promote animal health and welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines. As an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs we contribute to their objectives to protect public health and meet high standards of animal welfare. Our work also helps the Food Standards Agency to protect and improve the safety of food people eat. Around 160 people, a mixture of scientific and administrative staff, work at our offices near Addlestone, Surrey. We’re responsible for: •monitoring and taking action on reports of bad effects from veterinary medicines •testing for residues of veterinary medicines or illegal substances in animals and animal products •assessing applications for and authorising companies to sell veterinary medicines in the UK and the EU •controlling how veterinary medicines are made and distributed •advising government ministers on developing veterinary medicines policy and putting it into action •making, updating and enforcing UK legislation on veterinary medicines