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RCVS to consult on new VN qualifications framework
A consultation will be launched in early July.
Proposals aim to provide a more structured career path

Veterinary professionals are being asked for their views on a new framework for veterinary nursing qualifications post-registration.

The proposals were developed by the RCVS, after the VN Futures research project found that many nurses wanted a more structured and rewarding career path. A consultation will be launched in early July.

In time, the aim is to introduce an Advanced Veterinary Nurse status. The framework serves to offer awards after registration for an enhanced level of veterinary nursing practice, as well as specific modules for nurses at all career levels to study independently for CPD.

Julie Dugmore, director of veterinary nursing, said: “Throughout the VN Futures roadshow events nurses felt they were often entering a career cul-de-sac after a certain amount of time in practice and so the need for further post-registration qualifications which promote excellence and recognise advanced knowledge, skills, competency and experience in designated areas were strongly expressed.

“We have taken this feedback and developed it into a comprehensive framework for two defined post-registration qualifications and are very interested in hearing what both veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have to say about all aspects of what we are proposing.”

The two new qualifications included in the framework are a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

Once the responses have been collated, the college says it will incorporate the feedback into the framework for further consideration by the relevant committees and VN Council.

An email with a link to the consultation will be sent to all veterinary nurses and surgeons. Once launched, the survey will also be available at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations

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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.

 

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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.