The RCVS has opened the nomination period for its 2023 Honours & Awards, to recognise veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople, both in the UK and overseas, who are doing their utmost for animal health and welfare, the professions and society at large. 

The RCVS awards for which nominations can be made this year are:

• The Queen’s Medal – an award for a veterinary surgeon who has achieved a highly distinguished career.
• The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award - awarded to a veterinary nurse who has had a distinguished career and who can act as an ambassador for the value of veterinary nurses and their work.
• The RCVS International Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or laypeople who have made an outstanding contribution on issues that are in line with the RCVS mission.
• The RCVS Impact Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses who have recently, or are currently, undertaking a project that has a significant impact on the profession at large, animal health or welfare, or public health.
• The RCVS Inspiration Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses at any stage of their career who have demonstrated the ability to inspire and enthuse others consistently throughout.
• Honorary Associateship - awarded to laypeople who have made a special contribution to the veterinary sphere and could include, for example, scientists, lecturers, journalists, charity-workers, farriers, farmers and those involved in the commercial field.
• The RCVS Compassion Award - awarded to a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse who has demonstrated compassion towards fellow professionals and/or members of the animal-owning public.
• The RCVS Student Community Award – awarded to a veterinary or veterinary nursing student who has made a real effort to support their fellow students and the wider veterinary/veterinary nursing school community.

Matthew Rendle RVN, Chair of the RCVS VN Council, said: “In my involvement with VN Council and through events such as our Diamond Jubilee celebrations, I get to see the sheer amount of talent and dedication in our profession, people who have spent their careers going the extra mile for their animals, their clients, their colleagues and their students.

"If you know a veterinary nurse who can demonstrate the real and tangible impact that veterinary nurses can make over a long and sustained career, please consider nominating them for this award.”

The deadline date for the 2023 awards is 5pm on Friday, 27 January 2023.

To read the guidance on making a nomination and to download the PDF nomination forms for each of the awards, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/awards

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.