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Symposium looks to the future of veterinary nursing
VN symposium logo
Delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine and a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved.
Delegates gather for Central Qualifications event

Over 40 centre heads, clinical coaches and organisations joined Central Qualifications (CQ) for its annual symposium. Hosted at the awarding organisation's headquarters in Suffolk, guests at the two-day event also included OSCE examiners and lecturers.

Following a warm welcome by CQ director Jacqui Garrett, chair of governors Martin Barrow introduced CQ’s new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The new and improved DipVN follows extended consultation across the profession and marks the first significant change of the VN qualification for eight years.

Commenting on the new diploma, CQ's quality assurance manager Denise Burke said: “Veterinary Nursing is rapidly evolving and our new qualification is designed to meet the needs of employers and underpins the future of veterinary nursing.”

During the symposium, delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine, a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved and an update on the Central Skills Log.

RCVS director of veterinary nursing Julie Dugmore also brought delegates up to speed with VN Futures - a companion project to Vet Futures, which aims to draw up a blueprint for the veterinary nursing profession.

Day two of the VN symposium was led by BVNA president Sam Morgan - one of CQ’s lead examiners - and focussed on CQ’s OSCE process and procedures. Four DipVN students joined the delegates and participated in a mock exam so that new examiners could gain experience of being in an exam situation.

Commenting on the symposium, Jacqui Garrett said: “We arrange the VN symposium every year for the benefit of all those involved in veterinary nurse education. The feedback we've had this year has been excellent.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.