A record number of applications were received.
The successful candidates of the 2026 BVNA Council elections have been revealed.
A record number of 23 applications were received during the application window, of which 19 were from full RVN members, and two were from student members.
The selected candidates, announced during a meeting of BVNA Council on Saturday, 11 July, are:
Full (RVN) seats:
· Kirsty Cavill RVN
· Abigail Tobin RVN
· Lauryn Read RVN
· Hayley Coley RVN
Student seats:
· Abby Nascimento
· Agne Burokaite.
BVNA president Sarah Holliday commented: “I would like to thank all those who took the time to apply for a seat on BVNA Council this year. Along with the unprecedented volume, the standard of applications was also exceptional. All applications came from RVNs and SVNs who are clearly dedicated to their profession, passionate about representing the veterinary nursing voice, and committed to supporting BVNA as their professional representative body. It was incredibly difficult for our selection panel to make their shortlist.
“A strong and inclusive Council is essential to enable BVNA to provide a clear voice for veterinary nurses, and the diverse individuals making up our profession. I am therefore delighted at the level of engagement with this year’s application process. Ultimately, our work simply is not possible without the collective support of BVNA members, and it can only be of benefit to BVNA and the wider profession that so many are willing to put themselves forward to be part of the work we do.”
BVNA Council sets the association’s strategic direction, enabling it to undertake its work as the professional representative for the UK veterinary nursing profession. The successful candidates will be formally ratified at the BVNA Annual General Meeting at BVNA Congress on Saturday 10 October.
Sarah added: “With ongoing work towards real change for the profession through a reformed Veterinary Surgeons Act, it is certainly an exciting time to be part of BVNA Council. I look forward to welcoming the successful candidates in October.”
Image (C) BVNA.
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. 
