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Vet practice sustainability micro-course launched
“Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges” – Helen Ballantyne.
SRUC will be offering the online course from February.
 
A new micro-course on sustainability in veterinary practice is being launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The online distance-learning course, which will be available from February, will explore what practices can do to meet the new sustainability standards introduced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The course will take a One Health approach to the issue and provide concrete examples of how practices can make large and small changes to become more sustainable. It will look at topics including using fewer single-use items, switching to renewable energy supplies, and using low-flow anaesthesia to reduce leakage of greenhouse gases.

SRUC has said that the course would suit registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, although it can also be completed by other professionals who work in veterinary practices. It takes 12 weeks to complete.

The course was co-created by registered veterinary nurses Helen Ballantyne and Laura Edwards.

Ms Ballantyne said: “Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges.”

“By empowering veterinary professionals with sustainable tools and insights, we aim to create a positive impact that supports animal welfare, community health and ecological balance.”

Image © Shutterstock

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

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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.