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Battersea scoops prestigious volunteering award
More than 900 people are currently signed up to Battersea's Volunteering, Fostering and Communities programme.
Charity wins Investing in Volunteers Award for the second time. 

Staff and volunteers at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are celebrating after winning a prestigious volunteer management award for the second time.

The charity scooped the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) Award – the gold standard for good practice in volunteer management - for its Volunteering, Fostering and Communities Programme.

Charlotte Fielder, head of Volunteering, Fostering and Communities at Battersea, said: “We are thrilled to be reaccredited as it represents the hard work of the Volunteering, Fostering and Communities teams in creating and maintaining a programme that enables Battersea to be here for every dog and cat. 

“It also honours the contribution made by our volunteers, foster carers and community rehoming volunteers, who have shown such support during the reaccreditation process – and it’s particularly important to us that their hard work is recognised following the challenges 2020 placed on volunteering across the charity sector.” 

Currently, more than 900 people are signed up to Battersea's Volunteering, Fostering and Communities Programme in roles including administration, fundraising support and animal care.

After first receiving volunteer accreditation status in 2018, Battersea was keen to participate in the assessment process again to ensure that it is still offering a high-quality scheme. A key part of the assessment process is feedback from volunteers. 

Peter Laurie, Battersea’s interim chief executive, was interviewed by the external assessor. He says: “I was pleased to be invited to speak with the assessor and share my observations on how our volunteer programme is led, managed and delivered.

“I take pride in the way in which Battersea recruits and supports all volunteers on their volunteering journey and I see the IiV quality standard as a real badge of honour. Our volunteers give so much to Battersea and this accreditation reflects our commitment to giving volunteers a quality experience, too.”

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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.

 

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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.