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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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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. 

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.