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Battersea chief executive awarded CBE
Claire Horton has increased Battersea's profile and led it to become a top 10 charity brand.

Head of charity rewarded for contribution to animal welfare

The chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Claire Horton has been named as a recipient of a CBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List, in recognition of her contribution to animal welfare.

After joining Battersea as chief executive in 2010, Mrs Horton has ensured year on year growth for the charity. Increasing its profile and capabilities as well as leading it to become a top 10 charity brand.

With more than 30 years of experience leading national and regional charities, Mrs Horton is committed to boosting the impact of the organisation and improving services for beneficiaries. She is passionate about the importance of volunteers, and has increased volunteer numbers at Battersea by 200 per cent. She also regularly advises Ministers, MPs, MEPs and civil servants on all issues related to companion animal welfare and health.

Mrs Horton also chairs the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, the umbrella body for rescue and rehoming organisations in the British Isles and is a member of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Board for England.

Battersea chairman, Amanda Burton commented: “Claire is committed to working in partnership across multiple sectors and promoting collaboration between organisations and teams.

“Under her leadership, Battersea has driven campaigns that have successfully changed legislation and have improved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats.

“Battersea is now an organisation known world-wide for its expertise, its knowledge and highly skilled practitioners, across both animal and support services. Claire has worked to engage directly with rescue and rehoming centres around the world to share best practice and build strong and lasting relationships.

“Battersea has undoubtedly undergone transformational change under her leadership, but importantly, Claire never loses sight of Battersea’s founding mission to help every dog or cat in need and continues to heavily invest in both our people and our animals.”

Image (c) Battersea

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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.