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Nominations open for BVA Wellbeing Awards
Veterinary workplaces can be nominated until Monday, 11 August 2025.
The awards celebrate inclusive workplaces with positive cultures.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has opened nominations for this year’s BVA Wellbeing Awards.

Veterinary teams are invited to nominate workplaces which they feel have embraced an inclusive and positive working culture. The award celebrates workplaces where staff feel empowered and rewarded.

It particularly recognises workplaces which match the ethos of BVA’s Good Workplaces initiative.

The initiative highlights the importance of workplaces where individuals feel valued and admired for the work they do. It tackles a number of perceived workforce challenges, including workload, career development and the management and HR process.

BVA shares webinars, workbooks and other resources to support veterinary practices hoping to be recognised as a ‘good workplace’. It has also published its Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code, against which nominees for the BVA Wellbeing Awards are judged.

Nominees are judged within three categories: Small/Medium Practice (up to 25 employees), Large Practice (over 25 employees) and Non-clinical Workplace.

The winner in last year’s Small/Medium Practice category was Axe Valley Large Animal Vets, an independent practice in Somerset. The judges noted the practice’s efforts to alleviate stress and promote a happy atmosphere, particularly highlighting their nominated mental health ambassador and team mental health training.

BVA’s Large Practice winner was Old Golf House Vets. Judges commented on its positive workplace culture, with employees celebrated with ‘random awards of greatness’ and a team ‘pawsitivity board’.

The Non-clinical Workplace winner for 2024 was the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The school was recognised for its ‘psychologically safe’ culture, including ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’, with afternoons of wellbeing activities instead of teaching.

The BVA Wellbeing Awards are open to the entire profession, with no membership requirements. Nominations close on Monday, 11 August 2025, with the winner announced at the BVA Awards on Thursday, 16 October 2025.

Rob Williams, BVA junior vice presidents, said: “Work is such a big part of our lives so being able to express yourself, feel supported and be happy while doing your job is so important. It’s not just vital for individuals: happy, healthy workplaces retain their talent, deliver client and animal-focused services, and help build sustainable businesses.

“The BVA Wellbeing Awards celebrate those workplaces who work consistently to care for their teams. It’s time to shine a light on them.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.