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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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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.