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BVNA Awards winners revealed
The three winners: Christine Robinson (left), Bethany Scott (centre), and Courtney Scales (right).

This is Us 2020 event recognises excellence in the profession

The three winners of this year’s BVNA Awards were announced during a virtual awards evening held as part of the association’s This is Us 2020 event, which celebrates excellence within the profession.

The awards evening was livestreamed on Saturday 10 October via the BVNA’s Facebook page, and directly to delegates through Zoom.

The evening began with a keynote speech from Dr Jane Goodhall DBE, before Jo Oakden, BVNA’s junior vice president, announced the award winners.

The BVNA award winners are:

  • St Francis Award – for a nurse who has gone above and beyond for their team, their patients, and the profession as a whole over the past year. Awarded to Christine Robinson.
  • Help in the Community Award – for a nurse who has gone the extra mile to help animal owners and their clinical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Awarded to Bethany Scott.
  • VNJ Writer of the Year Award - for the author of an article written in VNJ which has inspired positive change, discussion or has improved clinical standards in practice. Awarded to Courtney Scales.

Mrs Oakden says: ““It was fantastic to see all the worthy nominees and finalists for our new BVNA awards and Hills and Blue Cross awards.

“The high standards, dedication and resilience of our profession was demonstrated with all of our nominees and winners of the awards, showing they can adapt and overcome to be champions in our profession to help educate and inspire those within and outside of our profession.

“It was a huge honour to be able to present these awards and still keep the celebratory feel in these unusual times. A huge congratulations to all our winners.”

Images (c) BVNA.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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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.