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Guidance launched on supporting religious vet nurses
The guidance can be downloaded from the BVNA website.

VN Futures DIWP has published advice for practices and training providers.

A new free-to-access guidebook on how veterinary practices and training providers can support veterinary nurses who hold religious beliefs has been launched by the VN Futures Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation Working Group (DIWP).

The guidebook provides advice on how to support veterinary nurses whose religious beliefs require them to wear particular clothes, avoid certain substances, or fit their work pattern around religious observance.

The advice builds on guidance created for veterinary students by the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and the Veterinary Schools Council Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Support Working Group.

The digital booklet, ‘A Guide for Training Providers and Practices: Religious Clothing and Beliefs’, can be downloaded online.

A collaboration between the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the VN Futures initiative aims to promote veterinary nursing as a career and support the existing workforce.

Alex Taylor, BVNA senior vice-president and chair of DIWP, said: “The VN Futures DIWP is proud to have been involved with putting together this guidance document.

“Not only will it provide reliable and useful advice about religious clothing and beliefs for educators, trainers and employers of veterinary nurses, but it will also help demonstrate that the veterinary nursing profession is open to people from all backgrounds, and everyone is valued in a supportive workplace environment.”
 
Jill Macdonald, VN Futures project lead, added: “The aim of the VN Futures DIWP is to actively address diversity and inclusivity, specifically within the veterinary nursing profession, and consider the support needed by those from diverse backgrounds who are already working within the profession.

“The publication of our religious clothing document is a massive step forward in helping to make sure that everybody not only feels included as valuable members of the veterinary team, but inherently respected for who they are as individuals.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

 

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.