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Blue Cross appoints new CEO
Chris Burghes will assume his new role from 1 June 2020.

Pet charity welcomes new leadership

The Blue Cross has announced the appointment of Chris Burghes as its next chief executive, who will begin his new role on 1 June 2020.

Mr Burghes has been the chief executive of the Royal Free Charity – the charitable arm of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust – since 2010. He has also previously worked for the Fire Fighters Charity.

“It is a wonderful time to join the charity and lead the organisation on the next stage of its strategy, building on its renowned reputation for providing unique and holistic services to pets and their owners,” said Mr Burghes.

“I have been incredibly impressed with what I have seen so far, which is a credit to the trustees, staff and volunteers at Blue Cross. The passion and dedication of everyone is second to none. I truly believe that pets change lives and I’ll be proud to lead the charity and help more pets and their owners in the future.”

Mr Burghes will succeed Sally de la Bedoyere, who has more than doubled awareness of the charity in her time as CEO. Ms de la Bedoyere will be retiring at the end of June 2020 after five years leading the Blue Cross.

She commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time leading Blue Cross in an ever-changing environment of pet welfare and developing a strategy to deliver the greatest impact to improve the lives of pets and people. By adapting the ways our services work and taking advantage of digital developments we have been able to reach more animals in need, help more pet owners in crisis and spread the message of best pet welfare.”

Image (c) Blue Cross.

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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.