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Blue Cross appoints new CEO
Chris Burghes will assume his new role from 1 June 2020.

Pet charity welcomes new leadership

The Blue Cross has announced the appointment of Chris Burghes as its next chief executive, who will begin his new role on 1 June 2020.

Mr Burghes has been the chief executive of the Royal Free Charity – the charitable arm of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust – since 2010. He has also previously worked for the Fire Fighters Charity.

“It is a wonderful time to join the charity and lead the organisation on the next stage of its strategy, building on its renowned reputation for providing unique and holistic services to pets and their owners,” said Mr Burghes.

“I have been incredibly impressed with what I have seen so far, which is a credit to the trustees, staff and volunteers at Blue Cross. The passion and dedication of everyone is second to none. I truly believe that pets change lives and I’ll be proud to lead the charity and help more pets and their owners in the future.”

Mr Burghes will succeed Sally de la Bedoyere, who has more than doubled awareness of the charity in her time as CEO. Ms de la Bedoyere will be retiring at the end of June 2020 after five years leading the Blue Cross.

She commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time leading Blue Cross in an ever-changing environment of pet welfare and developing a strategy to deliver the greatest impact to improve the lives of pets and people. By adapting the ways our services work and taking advantage of digital developments we have been able to reach more animals in need, help more pet owners in crisis and spread the message of best pet welfare.”

Image (c) Blue Cross.

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.