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First veterinary receptionists’ association launches
"We felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation."
Professional body offers accreditation and training 

Veterinary receptionists will now be able to join the UK’s first professional body for front-of-house staff in practice.

The British Veterinary Receptionists’ Association (BVRA) was set up by SPVS president Brian Faulkner, and veterinary business consultant, Kay Watson.

Mr Faulkner said: “Modern veterinary practices – which are competing in an increasing competitive, regulated and litigious environment – need veterinary receptionists who have a breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of preventive health care, triaging and prioritising the symptoms, as well as managing increasingly complex payment systems, such as direct online insurance claims and credit plans.

“However, while training exists that covers some aspects of the receptionist’s role, we felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation to cover the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge needed to flourish in this crucial role in practice.”

BVRA members will be able to study for bronze, silver and gold Accredited Veterinary Receptionist awards.

The association says its ‘teach, task and tell’ approach to the online training allows individual veterinary receptionists to show their understanding of the material, as well as sharing their opinions on how each area is working in their practice and how it could be improved.

Member benefits include:
    •    entitlement to refer to themselves as BVRA members
    •    access to CPD webinars
    •    discounted rates to the BVRA’s CPD events and annual conference
    •    access to the BVRA’s Accredited Veterinary Receptionist award
    •    access to the BVRA discussion forum

Practices can sign up for membership for a cost of £150 per annum, and add as many front-of-house employees as they wish after the first five are included for free.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.