The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) recently called for applications from its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) and student veterinary nurse (SVN) members to take up seats on its Council. Following approval at the most recent BVNA Council meeting on Saturday 11th July 2026, BVNA is delighted to announce the successful candidates from this application and selection process.

The role of BVNA Council is to set the association’s strategic direction, enabling it to undertake its work as the professional representative for the UK veterinary nursing profession.

The successful candidates are due to be formally ratified at the BVNA Annual General Meeting (AGM) at BVNA Congress, on Saturday 10th October 2026.

BVNA Council application and selection 2026 – statement of results

BVNA received a record number of 23 valid applications during the application window, which was open between Tuesday 31st March and Friday 15th May 2026.

Of these 23 applications, 19 came from Full (RVN) members, and 4 came from Student members.

Applications were assessed by a selection panel via an anonymous scoring process, where candidates were shortlisted for interviews. Following the conduction of interviews, 4 Full (RVN) members and 2 Student members were selected to join BVNA Council.

The selected candidates are as follows:

Full (RVN) seats

  • Kirsty Cavill RVN
  • Abigail Tobin RVN
  • Lauryn Read RVN
  • Hayley Coley RVN

Student seats

  • Abby Nascimento
  • Agne Burokaite

BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “I would like to thank all those who took the time to apply for a seat on BVNA Council this year. Along with the unprecedented volume, the standard of applications was also exceptional. All applications came from RVNs and SVNs who are clearly dedicated to their profession, passionate about representing the veterinary nursing voice, and committed to supporting BVNA as their professional representative body. It was incredibly difficult for our selection panel to make their shortlist.

“A strong and inclusive Council is essential to enable BVNA to provide a clear voice for veterinary nurses, and the diverse individuals making up our profession. I am therefore delighted at the level of engagement with this year’s application process. Ultimately our work simply is not possible without the collective support of BVNA members, and it can only be of benefit to BVNA and the wider profession that so many are willing to put themselves forwards to be part of the work we do.

“With ongoing work towards real change for the profession through a reformed Veterinary Surgeons Act, it is certainly an exciting time to be part of BVNA Council. I look forward to welcoming the successful candidates in October.”

Any questions or comments may be addressed to Sarah Holliday, BVNA President, via president@bvna.co.uk.