The RCVS has opened the nomination period for its 2024 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.
For the first time, some of the College’s awards will also be open to self-nomination, with veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who feel they meet the criteria for their chosen award being able to put themselves forward, although at least two supporting statements will still be required.
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. Self-nominations are allowed.
• 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. Self-nominations are allowed.
• 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. Self-nominations are allowed.
• 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. Self-nominations are allowed.
• 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. Self-nominations are allowed.
Speaking on why members of the professions should consider nominating their colleagues for an award, RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS, said: “Our honours and awards offer a fantastic opportunity for colleagues to shine a light on those who consistently go above and beyond in the name of improving animal health and welfare, public health, and the lives of those they come into contact with on a daily basis.
“We have such a wide range of awards, from recognising the achievements of those who have made a considerable impact to the professions over the course of their entire working lives, to highlighting the impact of those outstanding individuals who are just starting out and already making their mark on the veterinary world.
“The power of having your hard work and dedication recognised by your friends and colleagues cannot be underestimated. We are a humble and mighty profession and there are so many amazing people out there, many of whom do not realise just how incredible and influential they are. Please do take the time to look through our award categories and nominate anyone who you think would be suited for an award.”
Speaking specifically about the VN Golden Jubilee Award, Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN, Chair of the RCVS VN Council, added: “We know that there are so many extraordinary veterinary nurses who have been quietly going about their work, all while making an immense impact on the veterinary nursing professions and we would love for these individuals to be formally recognised for their outstanding contributions to veterinary nursing over the years.
“If you know a veterinary nurse who has had a distinguished career and deserves to be recognised for their tireless work and dedication to improving the professions, please do consider nominating them for the award. Our profession wouldn’t be where it is today without their determination and dedication.”
The deadline date for the 2024 awards is Friday 15 December 2023. All valid nominations will be considered and the RCVS Nominations Committee will produce a shortlist which will then be put to RCVS Council for approval at its March 2024 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 our dedicated Honours & Awards page.
A series of video interviews with some of the recipients of the 2023 RCVS Honours & Awards, which were recorded at Royal College Day in July this year, will shortly be made available on the RCVS YouTube channel.