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CQ holds its first graduation ceremony
bob champion
Bob Champion MBE gave an inspirational speech about winning the 1981 Grand National and his fight against testicular cancer.
Bob Champion MBE presents scrolls to DipVN graduates

Awarding body Central Qualifications (CQ) hosted its first graduation ceremony for the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN), welcoming Bob Champion MBE as guest of honour.

For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN in recognition of their achievements. CQ is also the first independent awarding body to offer a veterinary nursing qualification.

The landmark event was held at the historic Central Hall in Westminster. Guests were afforded spectacular views of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Veterinary nurses at the event represented more than 250 years of combined service.
Now a well-known film location, the venue hosted the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in 1946. It was also the meeting place of the Suffragettes in 1914 as they campaigned for votes for women.

New graduates were welcomed to the list of qualified veterinary nurses alongside their family, friends, the BVNA vice-president, CQ, Abbeydale Vetlink, the Central College of Animal Studies and Bridgwater College.

graduates
For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN.
Bob Champion, winner of the 1981 Grand National, gave an inspirational speech on his determination to succeed and his battle against testicular cancer.

Guests were given an insight into his training and perseverance, including amusing anecdotes about his upbringing and the knocks and bruises he has experienced during his life. Bob also gave everyone an insight into horse racing, the making of the film Champions about his Grand National win and his work setting up the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Bob and CQ director Jacqui Garrett presented graduates with the new CQ DipVN badge and a commemorative scroll. Martin Barrow, the awarding body's chair of governors, praised the sterling work of veterinary nurses and their role at the heart of the practice.

Veterinary nurses attending the event represented more than 250 years of combined service to animal welfare and nursing.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.