RCVS opens 2023 awards nomination period

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (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 with sustained and outstanding achievements throughout.
• The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award – awarded to a veterinary nurse who has had a sustained and distinguished career, who can demonstrate a leadership role within the profession 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 (ie those who are neither MRCVS nor RVNs) 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, initiative or similar 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 at any stage of their career 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.

Speaking about why members of the professions should consider making a nomination, RCVS President Dr Melissa Donald MRCVS, commented: “Our awards now cover the depth and breadth of veterinary excellence and achievement, recognising both those who can look back at a career spanning many decades, and those who are just at the beginning of their journey through our wonderful professions. Our awards recognise not only past achievements, but also those who are having an impact in the here-and-now, whether primarily in the UK or overseas.

“It is important that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses uplift each other, and recognise those everyday heroes who impact the animal health and welfare in their local community day in, day out. So, if you know anyone who fits the bill for one of our award categories, please make sure to take a bit of time to fill in the nomination form and put them forward.”

Speaking specifically about the VN Golden Jubilee Award, Matthew Rendle RVN, Chair of the RCVS VN Council, added: “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. All valid nominations will be considered and then the RCVS Nominations Committee will produce a shortlist which will then be put to RCVS Council for approval at its March 2023 meeting. The shortlist for the VN Golden Jubilee Award will be considered separately by VN Council.

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

A series of video interviews with some of the recipients of the 2022 RCVS Honours & Awards, which were recorded at Royal College Day in July this year, will shortly be made available on the RCVS YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos)