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Revised NOS Standards for VN
Following an extensive review of the jobs, skills and activities required by veterinary nurses, Lantra Sector Skills Council have announced that newly revised National Occupational Standards are now approved and ready to use.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, lead the UK wide project, which produced a revised list of skills needed for student and registered veterinary nurses to be able to do their job in a consistent and competent way. The National Occupational Standards (NOS) review gave veterinary nurses, employers and organisations the opportunity to ensure their ways of working were accurately reflected.
 
Lisa Jarvis, Industry Partnership Manager for veterinary nursing at Lantra and a RVN herself, said: “The veterinary nursing profession has had substantial changes since the last review in 2005 so this project was definitely needed. Not only do the revised NOS identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively but they also reflect the increased level of responsibility and accountability that comes with registration and new animal welfare legislation.”
 
Many veterinary nurses, employers and industry representatives from across the UK supported this extensive review. Now Lantra is calling on everyone involved in the industry to view and use the Standards. A free copy of the revised NOS is available from the Lantra website.
 
Lisa concluded: “NOS are an important tool for any business, small or large, as they help identify skills gaps and find the most relevant training and learning. NOS gives valuable information to help develop training and recruitment plans, as well as job descriptions. By making use of the Standards in this way, veterinary nursing skills and key processes can be enhanced.”
 

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.