The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have renewed their strategic alliance, setting out a shared commitment to work together on the major reforms and opportunities that will shape the future of the UK veterinary professions in the coming months.
A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by BVNA President Steph Worsley RVN and BVA President Dr Gwen Rees FRCVS during BVNA Congress at Telford International Centre on 10 October 2026.
As the leading representative bodies for the UK veterinary professions, BVA and BVNA will use the renewed MoU to strengthen their collaborative voice on issues impacting vets and veterinary nurses, and animal welfare. The agreement builds on a long-standing partnership dating back to 2017 and looks ahead to the next phase of collaboration, including pressing for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) and the implementation of the Competition and Market’s Authority’s (CMA) Final Orders following its investigation.
Together, the associations will continue to advocate for a modern legislative framework that recognises the vital roles of both vets and veterinary nurses, supports effective team working and helps the professions meet the needs of animal owners and society in the years ahead.
The MoU sets out how BVA and BVNA will continue to represent the views of vets and veterinary nurses to government, parliamentarians, policymakers, media, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the public. It also commits the organisations to identify opportunities for joint campaigns, member engagement and evidence-led policy work where a united approach can help champion the contribution of the whole veterinary team while respecting the distinct identities of both Associations and their memberships.
BVNA President Steph Worsley RVN said:
“At this period of enormous change and opportunity for the veterinary sector, our collaboration has proved instrumental to achieving positive outcomes – for our professions, animal health and welfare, and public health. My Presidential theme is ‘Unity’, and so it could not be more fitting that my first act as BVNA President is to commit to this working relationship with BVA for the next three years.”
BVA President Dr Gwen Rees FRCVS said: “Vet teams have faced intense scrutiny and pressure in recent years, but through these challenging times we’ve shown how working collaboratively with a common goal we can deliver impactful change. BVA is proud to continue working closely with BVNA, to support and stand up for vets and vet nurses as together as we face fresh challenges but also embrace opportunities.”
The MoU is agreed for a further three years and will be regularly reviewed to ensure the alliance continues to respond to emerging challenges, policy developments and opportunities for the veterinary professions.