The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has launched nominations for its annual awards, celebrating the remarkable individuals who make up the veterinary profession.

The association is now inviting nominations of deserving members of the veterinary team who consistently demonstrate compassion and empathy to their patients and the people around them.

Finalists will be invited to attend a prizegiving at an awards ceremony during BVNA Congress 2026.

The 2026 BVNA 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 Friday 31st July 2026. 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 show compassion and empathy, towards patients, clients or colleagues.

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 in their role for showing compassion and empathy within the practice setting.

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 the support of clients and patients by showing compassion and empathy during their studies.

Jennifer Townson was one of the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliaries (RANAs) 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 2025 and July 2026.

Three finalists from each category will be invited to attend BVNA Congress on Friday 9th October 2026, joining 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 Sarah Holliday commented: “We are delighted to launch this year’s BVNA Award nominations, to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals that make up the veterinary nursing and wider veterinary professions.

“The BVNA Awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide, and the unwavering compassion and empathy that they demonstrate every day. We know that veterinary nurses are not only powerful advocates for animal welfare, but also the wellbeing of the people around them. We’re also thrilled to include an awards category for members of the wider veterinary team, who provide such valuable support to their veterinary nursing colleagues.

“Simply being put forwards for an award also provides much-deserved recognition to all of our nominees, so we would really encourage colleagues, friends and family to nominate an individual you feel should be celebrated. We’re looking forward to showcasing the special individuals within the veterinary profession and welcoming the worthy finalists and winners to BVNA Congress.”