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Survey seeks views on protecting the VN title
The BVNA is asking for feedback on how professionals feel about protecting the 'veterinary nurse' title in law.
The title 'veterinary nurse' is currently not protected in law.

The veterinary profession is being invited to have its say on protecting the VN title in a survey launching on Monday (26 September).

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) is asking for feedback on how 
professionals feel about the issue, plus how it may or may not affect them, their patients, and the public. 

Currently, the VN title is not protected by law, meaning that anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse, regardless of any training or experience. 

The RCVS Council recommended to the government (DEFRA) that the title "veterinary nurse" be protected as part of broader legislative changes to the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act. The BVNA and BVA have also long campaigned for this protection. 

In 2015, an RCVS-led petition to see if the issue could be considered for a debate in parliament garnered some 36,000 signatures. However, this was not enough for a government petition at that time. 

The RCVS continues to support the title's protection and has included it in its recommendations for future legislation.

The survey will be available on the BVNA website between Monday 26th September and Wednesday 30th November. The association said that it will also be surveying the public. 

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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.