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Battersea volunteer to attend The Patron’s Lunch
Chris and her dogs
Chris McLean with her Battersea foster dogs.
Event celebrates the Queen’s patronage of over 600 charities
 
A dedicated Battersea volunteer has been selected to attend the Patron’s Lunch Parade in London on Sunday to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.

Since joining Battersea in 2010, Chris McLean from Surbiton has transformed the lives of many anxious and abused dogs.

Her dedication to the charity has grown year-on-year, and her volunteering activities now include spreading responsible messages in London’s hard to reach communities.

Staff and fellow volunteers regard Chris as one of Battersea’s most respected and trusted volunteers. For this reason, she will join thousands of charity supporters on the Mall in London to mark the Queen’s birthday.

Battersea’s head of volunteering Charlotte Fielder explains why Chris stands out among Battersea’s 1,200 active volunteers:

“The patience, compassion and joy Chris displays in any task given is truly inspirational. She is a trusted representative of the Home and takes on dogs when no one else can to change their lives.

“It’s Chris we immediately think of whenever we have a vulnerable or traumatised dog in need of additional care and nurturing – she really is a life saver for these dogs. We hope she always knows how grateful we are of her dedication to Battersea.”

The Patron’s Lunch celebrates the Queen’s patronage of over 600 charities and organisations.

Others representing Battersea include Claire Horton, veterinary director Shaun Opperman, and acting volunteer manager Mike Puddy.
 
The celebrations on the day will include a 1,500-strong parade, in which around 20 Battersea volunteers and staff members are taking part.

Members of the public can watch the entertainment parade and the day’s Royal proceedings either live on BBC One or via live screenings in nearby St James’s Park or Green Park.
 

 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.