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RCVS opens consultation on vet nurse training
“We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals." - Julie Dugmore
The standards framework is reviewed every five years.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a consultation on a new draft standards framework for veterinary nursing education and training.

RCVS’ Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training is designed to set the skills, behaviours and professional values required from approved educational institutions (AEIs), delivery sites and veterinary nurse training practices (TPs).

These standards are reviewed every five years, to ensure that veterinary nursing AEIs, delivery sites and TPs have suitable structures for educating student veterinary nurses in a contemporary and innovative way, while holding accountability for local delivery and management of accredited programmes.

The latest amendments to the framework address sustainability in the sector, considering potential impacts that delivering veterinary training could have on the environment. It also sets guidelines for academic integrity, including the assessment and moderation process.

The consultation into the new standards framework began on Thursday, 22 February, and will continue until Wednesday, 3 April.

All members of the veterinary profession are invited to respond to the consultation, including registered veterinary nurses, student veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons. It is hoped that these responses will provide detailed feedback on each of the framework’s six core standards, as well as the individual requirements within them.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said: “We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals.

“Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for our students, prepare them for life in clinical practice, and ensure that animal health and welfare is a foremost consideration.”

The new Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training can be viewed here.

Image © RCVS (Flickr)

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
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Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.