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HRH the Princess Royal opens new Clinical Excellence Centre
HRH the Princess Royal emphasised the importance of lifelong learning to animal healthcare.
The facility is designed to enhance veterinary clinical skills.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal has officially opened a new state-of-the-art Clinical Excellence Centre in Swindon.

The facility, owned by Improve Veterinary Education, incorporates the equipment and resources to support veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to develop their clinical skills.

As part of the visit, the Princess Royal toured the facility and met with delegates and faculty. There was also an opportunity to observe a live demonstration of an abdominal ultrasound.

The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque, before speaking to attendees about the importance of lifelong learning to animal healthcare.

The event was also attended by Kirsty Williams, RCVS education quality improvement manager, and other guests from the veterinary profession.

Improve Veterinary Education, which is part of the Improve International Group, says that the Clinical Excellence Centre represents a milestone in veterinary training. It says that it forms part of its commitment to provide high standards of animal care through advanced professional development.

The centre is designed to provide a dedicated space for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to collaborate for immersive, hands-on learning. It is the largest training centre in Europe for veterinary professionals, spanning 850m2.

The facility includes two surgical wet-lab training theatres, a fully-equipped dentistry lab suite and a custom orthopaedic radiography suite. It will host a range of postgraduate training programmes, including hands-on practical workshops and training sessions.

Improve Veterinary Education says that the site is built with sustainability in mind and is committed to environmental sustainability initiatives.

Heber Alves, CEO of Improve International, said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome HRH to officially open our Clinical Excellence Centre. This facility reflects our dedication to providing veterinary professionals with access to world-class education and resources, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to their patients.

“Today marks a moment of pride and inspiration for the entire team.”

Image © Improve Veterinary Education

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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.