Kirsty Young elected as RCVS VN Council chair
"I’m very proud to take on this role at such an important time for the profession." - Kirsty Young.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has elected Kirsty Young as the next chair of its Veterinary Nursing council.
Kirsty, a veterinary nurse educator from Dumfries, was elected as chair of the VN Council at its meeting on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
She will take on the new role at RCVS’ Annual General Meeting on Friday, 3 July 2026. Kirsty succeeds Belinda Andrews-Jones, who will begin a three-year term as vice-chair of VN Council.
Kirsty Young RVN qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1999, and has worked in veterinary nursing education for over 20 years.
Her educator career has seen her focus on curriculum development, programme validation and accreditation. This has included chairing veterinary nursing accreditation panels for the RCVS.
She has been an elected member of the VN Council since 2024, and is also acting registrar for Scotland’s Rural College.
As chair of VN Council, Kirsty will be responsible for leading the VN Council. The council governs veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses.
The VN Council meets four times a year, where its members will make decisions and hear reports on issues including qualification accreditation, student enrolments and international veterinary nurse registrants.
Kirsty said: “It's an honour to have been elected by my fellow Council members as chair of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council. After more than 25 years in veterinary nursing across clinical practice, education and governance, I’m very proud to take on this role at such an important time for the profession.
“My time on VN Council has been both rewarding and inspiring, and I have valued the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues committed to supporting veterinary nurses and advancing the profession. These experiences have reinforced the importance of collaboration, inclusivity and strengthening the veterinary nursing voice.
“As chair, I look forward to supporting the continued development, recognition and wellbeing of veterinary nurses, while helping to shape the future of the profession through ongoing legislative reform. I am committed to driving positive progress and championing the vital contribution veterinary nurses make to animal health and welfare every day.”
Image © RCVS
A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.
