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FIVP webinar series to inspire members
FIVP's first guest will be Kirsty Gwynne, who will present a talk on 10 December.
The exclusive discussions will feature figures from veterinary and business sectors.

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is launching a new, exclusive webinar series for its members.

The bi-monthly discussions will invite key figures from the veterinary and business sectors to share their professional insights and experiences with those working in independent practice. Each webinar will be followed by a Q&A session with the guest.

The series will give members the opportunity to network with major figures in each industry and learn about the latest concepts and ideas in the veterinary world.

Kirsty Gwynne, a director at Abbeydale Vetlink Veterinary Training (AVVT), will feature as FIVP’s first guest, which will take place on Tuesday, 10 December at 7.00pm.

Ms Gwynne’s talk, ‘The Role of Veterinary Nursing Assistants in Veterinary Practice’, will explore the work and responsibilities of a veterinary nursing assistant (VNA) in practice. It will examine how they can contribute to a team and how they can help independent practices to thrive.

The discussion is expected to inspire FIVP members to consider how they work with VNAs and what they can do to better support these team members.

Ms Gwynne has worked in veterinary nursing since 1996, later moving to veterinary training to teach courses on nursing small animals, equines and exotic animals. She became a director at AVVT in 2009, but also works part-time in small animal practice and in an emergency clinic.

The webinar series is the latest addition to FIVP’s membership package, which is designed to support independent practices to continue to thrive in the challenging veterinary sector. The not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2016, represents the interests and promotes the values of independent practices across the UK.

More information about FIVP can be found here.

Image © FIVP

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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.