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RCVS opens consultation on vet nurse training
“We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals." - Julie Dugmore
The standards framework is reviewed every five years.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a consultation on a new draft standards framework for veterinary nursing education and training.

RCVS’ Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training is designed to set the skills, behaviours and professional values required from approved educational institutions (AEIs), delivery sites and veterinary nurse training practices (TPs).

These standards are reviewed every five years, to ensure that veterinary nursing AEIs, delivery sites and TPs have suitable structures for educating student veterinary nurses in a contemporary and innovative way, while holding accountability for local delivery and management of accredited programmes.

The latest amendments to the framework address sustainability in the sector, considering potential impacts that delivering veterinary training could have on the environment. It also sets guidelines for academic integrity, including the assessment and moderation process.

The consultation into the new standards framework began on Thursday, 22 February, and will continue until Wednesday, 3 April.

All members of the veterinary profession are invited to respond to the consultation, including registered veterinary nurses, student veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons. It is hoped that these responses will provide detailed feedback on each of the framework’s six core standards, as well as the individual requirements within them.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said: “We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals.

“Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for our students, prepare them for life in clinical practice, and ensure that animal health and welfare is a foremost consideration.”

The new Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training can be viewed here.

Image © RCVS (Flickr)

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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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.