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RCVS buys new central London headquarters
The new RCVS headquarters at 1-2 Hardwick Street, Clerkenwell.

The College will move to Clerkenwell in a deal worth £20.5m.

The RCVS has completed the purchase of a new central London headquarters.

In a statement, the College said that it had agreed on the purchase of 1-2 Hardwick Street in Clerkenwell for £20.5m.

It follows the sale of Belgravia House to a private investor in March 2021 for £14.5m, with the additional cost funded from College reserves.

The statement reads: 'The new premises are large enough not only to accommodate a larger staff and more College meetings and member/associate events but also to cater for greater social distancing and hybrid working, if and when these might be required again in the future. Any unwanted space can be rented out, which would create income for the College whilst maintaining its investment.

'Two such existing tenants will continue to lease office space at 1-2 Hardwick Street for the time being and, although timescales are still to be finalised, some refurbishment work will need to be completed before the College and RCVS Knowledge teams can start to take some occupancy.'

Following the termination of the Belgarvia House lease at the end of March 2022, RCVS staff will continue to work either remotely, or in temporary office space leased at its Chancery Lane site.

The statement continued: ‘This arrangement represents a significant financial saving for the College, compared to leasing back Belgravia House from the new owners under the original arrangement.

'Alongside these flexible working options, Council and Committees will continue to hold meetings on a mixed basis of in-person, hybrid and remote, in order to minimise costs and improve sustainability, with longer or larger meetings held at external venues as and when necessary.’

RCVS chief executive Lizzie Lockett said: “Like any property purchase, it has been an extremely long and difficult journey to get to this point, with many challenges to navigate along the way, but I am delighted that we are finally able to announce our new home.

“Whilst we will have to wait a while longer before we can enjoy everything 1-2 Hardwick Street has to offer, we are very much looking forward to welcoming members of the professions to visit our new offices, and being able to host a variety of meetings and new events there for them.
"
 

Image (C) RCVS.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.