The Jennifer Townson Award was won by Sophie Barnes (pictured with Emma Townson).

The event marked the organisation’s 60th anniversary.

The winners of this year’s BVNA annual awards were revealed at a ceremony on Saturday, 11 October, celebrating inspiring individuals within the veterinary profession.

Held at the Telford International Centre, the event honoured the registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs), and other members of the veterinary team who have made their mark on BVNA’s history or championed the profession both personally and professionally.

To mark the Association’s 60th year, the award categories were presented in memory of prominent individuals from the association’s history.

Among them are dedicated veterinary nurse and BVNA Council Member Jean Turner, and Jennifer Townson, one of the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliaries and the very first chairperson of BVNA when it was formed.

The Jean Turner Award - RVN of the Year was won by Karen Hatton, who was described by her nominees as ‘one of the most dedicated veterinary nurses within the profession — putting forward new ideas and solutions to help better the practice, and wanting the best for the animals in her care’.

Sophie Barnes scooped the Jennifer Townson Award - SVN of the Year for her determination in pursuing the Veterinary Care Assistant course whilst volunteering in practice. Having re-taken her GCSEs, Sophie is now undertaking veterinary nursing training and is said to be taking everything in her stride.

A new award, the Des Thompson Award — Veterinary Team Member, made its debut to celebrate any member of the veterinary team who is not an RVN/SVN and has made a real difference to a veterinary nursing colleague in their development. Des Thomson was a proud honorary member of BVNA and a huge supporter of the veterinary nursing community.

The award went to Carla England, who was nominated by her colleague for her hands-on approach and admirable support with running their practice. Working alongside one of the practice’s veterinary surgeons, Carla has written and run evening CPD classes specifically for veterinary nurses.

Finally, Lauryn Read won the VNJ Writer of the Year Award for her article in the June 2025 issue of the VNJ, entitled ‘Caring for those who care for animals’. One nominator wrote that Lauryn is passionate about raising the profile of mental health within the profession, striving to talk openly and encourage others to do the same with regard to mental health in the workplace.”

BVNA president Sarah Holliday said: “Presenting our annual awards at BVNA Congress is a true highlight of our calendar. In BVNA’s 60th year, we were especially delighted to celebrate these inspiring individuals, showcasing their contributions to the veterinary nursing profession and their teams. This year’s special award categories were dedicated to a handful of remarkable individuals who have made their mark on BVNA’s history and who championed the veterinary nursing profession both personally and professionally.

“I would like to thank all those who submitted a nomination in any of these award categories. We know that being put forwards for an award means a great deal and provides a deep sense of recognition to all of our nominees. It is an honour to read through all the inspiring nominations we receive.

“I would also like to congratulate all of the deserving winners and finalists across all of our awards. All should feel exceptionally proud that their dedication to the veterinary nursing profession has been recognised by those around them. It is a real honour for BVNA to be able to share the incredible work being carried out by veterinary nurses, and in support of veterinary nurses.”

Image (C) BVNA.