CQ awards honour vet nurse educators
Donna Green receiving her award from Ben Fogle.
The winners of this year’s Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Awards, organised by Central Qualifications (CQ), have been revealed.
Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College received their awards at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony, held at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.
The awards were presented by adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle, who also gave the keynote speech during the event.
The annual awards celebrate the commitment and hard work of staff who support veterinary nursing students, recognising their talent, skill, and dedication. They are open to anyone involved in training and educating veterinary nurses in the UK, with the winners nominated by students and fellow professionals.
Ms Green is a senior tutor at the CCOAS training college in Exeter, Devon. She is also centre liaison, internal quality assurer, and a mental health first aider. She holds a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour.
The students and colleagues who nominated Ms Green described her as a tutor who “goes out of her way to ensure all students get all the help they need” and “really great at motivating and inspiring her class”.
Ms Green said: “Winning the award has been a shock and I feel quite humbled, but it is good to know that all the hard work that goes on at CCOAS is appreciated by our students. I love my current role as no two days are the same.”
Ms Shingleton works as internal quality assurer for the Veterinary Nursing Department at Plumpton College, East Sussex. She began her career as an RVN in the 1980s, working in small and mixed animal practices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Birmingham. She started her first teaching role in 1991.
The feedback from those who nominated Ms Shingleton described her as “so much more than just an educator”. After so many years educating veterinary nurses, “visiting practices with her is like watching old friends catching up”.
Ms Shingleton said: “I was delighted to find out I had been nominated for the Veterinary Nursing Educator Award. It is a real honour to be acknowledged by the industry I have served for over 35 years.”
Image © Central Qualifications
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
