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BVA Welsh Branch president named Vet of the Year 2022
Collin Willson has been named FSA's Vet of the Year 2022.

Collin Willson recognised for improving and promoting animal welfare standards.

BVA Welsh Branch president Collin Willson has been named the Food Standard’s Agency's (FSA) Vet of the Year 2022.

The award recognises the hard work and dedication of veterinary colleagues within the FSA to ensure that food is safe and that animal welfare standards are upheld. 

Willson, who has been in the profession for 49 years, is the field veterinary lead responsible for the FSA in Wales and England.  

Commenting on the achievement, he said: “I feel incredibly proud to have been nominated by my colleagues and recognised for my role in improving and promoting animal welfare standards.

“I’ve been a part of the veterinary profession for 49 years and a career highlight has been working for the FSA and in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders to get ministerial clearance for the Demonstration of Life work, early in 2021. I’m looking forward to continuing this work and promoting the role of our vets who work tirelessly behind the scenes right across the organisation.” 

Jane Clark, director of veterinary services, said: “I am delighted to announce Collin Willson as our Vet of the Year. Collin is a well-deserved winner and has been a driving force in our organisation, and across government, to improve animal welfare standards for many years.

"He has an extensive and impressive veterinary network, within government and across the wider profession, and colleagues from across the agency commented on how generously he shares his expertise.

"Collin is a real asset to the FSA and the Vet of the Year award is a testament to Collin’s success.”

Image (C) BVA.

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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.