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Students celebrate graduation at CQ ceremony
“Congratulations to everyone who graduated today” – Ben Fogle.
Ben Fogle presented the graduates with their scrolls.

More than 100 students from training centres across the UK celebrated qualifying as veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.

The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma for Veterinary Nurse Assistants were handed their ceremonial scrolls by adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle as friends and family looked on.

Mr Fogle also gave the keynote speech, in which he talked about growing up in a veterinary household, finding fame as part of the Castaway 2000 television series, rowing across the Atlantic with James Cracknell, and reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

He ended his speech by urging the graduates not to forget their dreams and ambitions and to climb their own Everests, whatever that might be.

The event also saw the winners of the Veterinary Nursing Educator Awards 2024 collect their awards. Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College were rewarded for their dedication to veterinary nurse training and the positive impact they have had on their students and colleagues.

Jacqui Garrett, CQ director, said: “As always, it’s been a great day at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Veterinary nurses and nursing assistants play such an important role in the veterinary profession and it was an honour to see this new cohort graduate. I’m sure they will excel in the workplace and make a big difference to the lives of so many animals.”

Mr Fogle added: “It was a real privilege to be here today to celebrate the hard work and achievements of this new generation of veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse assistants. Congratulations to everyone who graduated today.”

Image © Central Qualifications

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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.