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BVNA and RCVS to offer joint sessions at online event
The online discussion sessions will cover key topics which affect the veterinary nursing profession.

Organisations work together to help bolster profession

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) are collaborating to provide a variety of interactive sessions for the veterinary nursing profession at BVNA’s This is Us 2020 event.

The virtual event will run from 9 to 11 October, with the joint sessions taking place as part of the VN Futures project, which was established in 2016 by BVNA and RCVS to support the veterinary nursing profession and its future.

Details of the sessions are as follows:

  • Friday 9 October, 6.20pm: Nicola Ackerman will chair a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on the veterinary nursing profession
  • Saturday 10 October, 2.05pm: Zoe Halfacree will discuss environmental sustainability in the profession. Asking delegates to discuss ideas and approaches for a greener practice
  • Saturday 10 October, 6:05pm: This session will focus on the value of the student/coach relationship and will be chaired by Samantha Morgan
  • Sunday 11 October, 1.10pm: Elizabeth Cox will chair a session about the impact of potential legislative change on the veterinary nursing profession
  • Sunday 11 October, 4.10pm: VN Futures project manager Jill Macdonald will host a session on role recognition and the value of veterinary nurses.

The event will also include three short presentations which highlight the achievements of VN Futures and potential ideas for the next phase of the project.

Josephine Oakden, BVNA junior vice-president and current chair of the VN Futures board says: “The VN Futures project has achieved many positive changes within the profession over the past four years.

“VN Futures is a two-way process, and we need engagement from the profession to achieve the most from the project. We are listening and wish to gather opinion and input on what veterinary nurses feel are the key challenges and opportunities in the profession and generate areas of focus for the next phase of VN Futures.”

BVNA member can sign up to This is Us 2020 for free through the Webinar Vet.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 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.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.