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Nominations for nurses rise by a quarter
Gyles Brandreth, Tina Wright and Kirstie Shield
Petplan Awards host Gyles Brandreth, veterinary nurse of the year Tina Wright and BVNA president Kirstie Shield.
Petplan Award nominations see nearly 25 per cent boost

A significant hike was seen in the number of nominations for both veterinary nurses and practice managers in this year's Petplan Veterinary Awards.

Nominations for veterinary nurses saw a boost of just under 25 per cent, while practice manager nominations rose by 40 per cent.

BVNA president Kirstie Shield said the vet is usually at the forefront of the client's mind, and they do not see the work that goes on back-of-house.

"The professionalism and expertise of nurses and managers help drive a high standard of service and animal welfare," she added.

Similarly, former VPMA president Helen Sanderson said she was "delighted" at the upsurge and wants to encourage even more members to vote next year.

"Practice managers and nurses deserve this recognition," she said. "Both work very hard to support practice but don’t always get the acknowledgement for it…

"I think we can do even better, and I’d like to see nominations next year for both categories being closer to the numbers seen for the vet of the year category."

BVNA and VMPA launched a joint initiative this year, encouraging practice managers to nominate their nurses and nurses to nominate their manager for the awards.

Affectionately known as the Veterinary Oscars, the Petplan Awards are now in their fifteenth year. Kirstie Shield presented the veterinary nurse of the year award to Tina Wright at the event in early April, while
Sharon Lane-Kieltyka won practice manager of the year.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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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.