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Symposium looks to the future of veterinary nursing
VN symposium logo
Delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine and a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved.
Delegates gather for Central Qualifications event

Over 40 centre heads, clinical coaches and organisations joined Central Qualifications (CQ) for its annual symposium. Hosted at the awarding organisation's headquarters in Suffolk, guests at the two-day event also included OSCE examiners and lecturers.

Following a warm welcome by CQ director Jacqui Garrett, chair of governors Martin Barrow introduced CQ’s new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The new and improved DipVN follows extended consultation across the profession and marks the first significant change of the VN qualification for eight years.

Commenting on the new diploma, CQ's quality assurance manager Denise Burke said: “Veterinary Nursing is rapidly evolving and our new qualification is designed to meet the needs of employers and underpins the future of veterinary nursing.”

During the symposium, delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine, a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved and an update on the Central Skills Log.

RCVS director of veterinary nursing Julie Dugmore also brought delegates up to speed with VN Futures - a companion project to Vet Futures, which aims to draw up a blueprint for the veterinary nursing profession.

Day two of the VN symposium was led by BVNA president Sam Morgan - one of CQ’s lead examiners - and focussed on CQ’s OSCE process and procedures. Four DipVN students joined the delegates and participated in a mock exam so that new examiners could gain experience of being in an exam situation.

Commenting on the symposium, Jacqui Garrett said: “We arrange the VN symposium every year for the benefit of all those involved in veterinary nurse education. The feedback we've had this year has been excellent.”

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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...
News Shorts
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.