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BVA and BVNA renew strategic partnership
The BVA and BVNA have signed a new memorandum of understanding.
Associations sign a new memorandum of understanding at BVNA Congress.

The BVA and the BVNA have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) reaffirming their commitment to collaborative working.

BVA President Justine Shotton and then-BVNA President Jo Oakden renewed the Associations’ strategic alliance at the BVNA Congress on Saturday (2 October).

The BVA and BVNA have worked closely on an array of shared priorities since signing the first MOU in 2017. Among them include the Vet Futures and VN Futures projects and supporting the veterinary team through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the new MOU, BVA and BVNA will continue to work together to strengthen the representation of the views of vets, vet nurses, the media, policymakers, the general public and the RCVS. The Associations have also agreed to identify opportunities for joint campaigns and member engagement activities in mutually beneficial areas of interest.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for the profession, and new challenges keep being presented to us,” commented Jo Oakden. “This is why it is so important we collaborate and support one another.

“We are one team within this profession. It gives me great pleasure to sign the MOU with BVA, ensuring our close working relationship for the next three years. Together, our voice is stronger.”

Justine Shotton added: “This is a challenging time for everyone in the veterinary family. It has never been more vital for us all to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for animal health, welfare, public health and our professions. We have already achieved so much more working in unison over the last three years, and I am delighted that we will continue to provide one strong veterinary voice on key issues for the veterinary team.

She added that the memorandum between BVA and BVNA is agreed for a further three years and will subject to regular reviews.

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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.