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New RCVS president to replace fear of College
Dr Chris Tufnell (left) with Dr Bradley Viner after receiving the presidential chain of office.

Dr Chris Tufnell calls on profession to wear badge with pride

The new president of the RCVS has called upon veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to be proud of their profession and to feel great that they are committed to the welfare of animals in their care.

In his maiden speech, Dr Chris Tufnell said: "Sadly we often hear that there are vets and nurses who live in fear of the RCVS. This is something of which I am personally ashamed.

"Being particularly mindful of the role and fear anxiety play in mental health, I will do everything I can to replace this fear... I will encourage all hardworking vets and nurses, whichever field they are in, to wear their [MRCVS] 'badge' with pride. Feel good about what you do, feel great about what you do."

Dr Tufnell, an elected member of Council since 2009, graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow at the age of 30, having first attained a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Science from the University of Newcastle.

Following graduation, Chris worked in a mixed practice in Herefordshire before purchasing an equine and companion animal practice in West Berkshire, which currently employs five veterinary surgeons and five support staff.

Dr Tufnell became the College's new president at RCVS day on July 15. His first official duty upon receiving the presidential chain of office from President Dr Bradley Viner was to welcome the new Junior Vice President Professor Stephen May.

During the day, new members of RCVS and VN Councils were also welcomed.

Two new members of Council - Melissa Donald and Lucie Goodwin - invited to take up their seats and their four-year terms on Council. The re-elected members, Christopher Barker, Amanda Boag, Kut Sturgess and Stephen May were also confirmed for their four-year terms.

For VN Council, the newly elected members Rachael Marshall and Matthew Rendle were formally welcomed to their four-year terms by Liz Cox chair of VN Council.

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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
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.