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First veterinary receptionists’ association launches
"We felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation."
Professional body offers accreditation and training 

Veterinary receptionists will now be able to join the UK’s first professional body for front-of-house staff in practice.

The British Veterinary Receptionists’ Association (BVRA) was set up by SPVS president Brian Faulkner, and veterinary business consultant, Kay Watson.

Mr Faulkner said: “Modern veterinary practices – which are competing in an increasing competitive, regulated and litigious environment – need veterinary receptionists who have a breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of preventive health care, triaging and prioritising the symptoms, as well as managing increasingly complex payment systems, such as direct online insurance claims and credit plans.

“However, while training exists that covers some aspects of the receptionist’s role, we felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation to cover the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge needed to flourish in this crucial role in practice.”

BVRA members will be able to study for bronze, silver and gold Accredited Veterinary Receptionist awards.

The association says its ‘teach, task and tell’ approach to the online training allows individual veterinary receptionists to show their understanding of the material, as well as sharing their opinions on how each area is working in their practice and how it could be improved.

Member benefits include:
    •    entitlement to refer to themselves as BVRA members
    •    access to CPD webinars
    •    discounted rates to the BVRA’s CPD events and annual conference
    •    access to the BVRA’s Accredited Veterinary Receptionist award
    •    access to the BVRA discussion forum

Practices can sign up for membership for a cost of £150 per annum, and add as many front-of-house employees as they wish after the first five are included for free.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.