On Sunday 1st June 2025, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) opens nominations for its annual awards, inviting its members and the veterinary nursing profession to recognise individuals who have inspired and supported others. Finalists will be invited to attend a prizegiving at an awards ceremony during BVNA Congress 2025.
In BVNA’s 60th year since its launch, awards will be presented in memory of key individuals from the association’s history. Nominations are invited from registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs), any other members of the veterinary team, or from family and friends of the nominee.
All categories will be open for nominations until Thursday 31st July 2025. This year’s award categories are:
The Jean Turner Award – RVN of the Year
A veterinary nurse that has gone out of their way to raise awareness of the RVN role. They will have ensured that colleagues and clients understand the needs for protecting the ‘veterinary nurse’ title, legislative reform, and utilising veterinary nurses.
Jean Turner was a dedicated and passionate veterinary nurse, and a BVNA Council Member for many years.
The Des Thompson Award – Veterinary Team Member of the Year
Any member of the vet team that is not an RVN/SVN (e.g. vet, veterinary care assistant, receptionist), who has made a real difference to a veterinary nursing colleague in their development. Nominees will have provided support and enabled their veterinary nursing colleague to progress in their role or career.
Des Thompson was a proud honorary member of BVNA and a huge supporter of the veterinary nursing community.
The Jennifer Townson Award – SVN of the Year
An SVN who is currently undertaking training, and has contributed to raising awareness of the veterinary nurse role, or has been supportive to other students throughout their studies.
Jennifer Townson was one of the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliaries (RANA), and was the very first Chairperson of BVNA when it was formed.
VNJ Writer of the Year Award (nominations invited from BVNA members only)
This award is for articles which have encouraged discussions, or positive change, or improved clinical standards in practice. Whose article has inspired you? Articles to have been published in the VNJ between September 2024 and July 2025.
Three finalists from each category will be invited to attend BVNA Congress on Saturday 11th October 2025, and join the evening Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony.
Find out how to nominate and read the terms and conditions on the BVNA website here.
BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes commented: “In BVNA’s 60th year, we are incredibly excited to announce this year’s very special BVNA Award categories, dedicated to a handful of remarkable individuals who have championed the veterinary nursing profession within their careers.
“Our Awards Ceremony at BVNA Congress gives us an opportunity to celebrate the inspirational SVNs and RVNs of today. The BVNA Awards recognise the caring and skilled work that individuals do, and the significant impact veterinary nurses have on their colleagues, animal welfare and the wider veterinary profession. We’re also delighted to introduce an award category recognising other members of the vet team, who we know can have an enormous impact on the progression of veterinary nurses working with them.
“Simply being put forwards for an award also provides a real sense of recognition to all of our nominees, so we would really encourage colleagues, friends and family to nominate an individual you feel deserves to be celebrated. It is always a highlight of our year to be able to read through all the inspiring nominations, and showcase the worthy finalists and winners at BVNA Congress.”