We understand that BVNA members may be frustrated at the length of time it is taking to protect the title of ‘ veterinary nurse ’ in law . We wanted to assure you that your voice is being heard , and that BVNA will campaign until protection is achieved . While it can feel like a never-ending process , we must all keep up the momentum and continue to raise awareness of the urgent need for legislation that reflects the veterinary nurse ( VN ) role today .

What BVNA has been doing

On 21 May 2024 , during Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month ( VNAM ), we held a discussion panel webinar to cover the progress made on the Protect the Title campaign and our future plans . You can view the webinar here : https :// tinyurl . com / tw3ktvmk . The panel was chaired by BVNA Council member Nikki McLeod , who was joined by BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes , past BVNA President Alex Taylor and Learning , Development and Communications Manager Charlotte Bullard .

Among the topics discussed were the reasons legislative change has been slow , such as the cost-of-living crisis , Covid-19 and international conflict , which have taken up significant parliamentary time in recent years . However , despite this , BVNA has participated in key events and spoken to MPs and peers about the importance of protecting the title ‘ veterinary nurse ’. BVNA co-hosted a VN parliamentary drop-in session with the RCVS on 13 December 2023 , and Lyndsay was able to speak to Steve Barclay , the then Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( pictured ), about the VN role at the BVA Parliamentary Briefing on 6 March 2024 . We are also hoping to host our own parliamentary event after the general election .

In response to the news of the general election , we made a statement calling for all political party manifestos to include a pledge to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act , including the statutory protection of the ‘ veterinary nurse ’ title . Once the new MPs are settled into office , we will be providing BVNA members with a template letter so you can write to and engage with your MP directly .

What you can do to help

We are calling on BVNA members to channel their energy into advocating for the veterinary nursing profession . You really can make a difference !

• Raise awareness among clients and the public about the impact of veterinary nurses on animal welfare

• Write to your MP to voice your concerns

• Share the recording of the webinar

• Share social media posts from BVNA

• Hold client events about the VN role

• Talk about the campaign in team meetings

• Join in with campaign events , such as VNAM

• Complete campaign-related BVNA surveys and share feedback on consultations

Please get involved and engage with the change as it can ' t happen without you . Imagine what we could achieve together if all 22,000 RVNs shared their voice !

BVNA is committed to gaining statutory protection of the ‘ veterinary nurse ’ title in law . Our combined voices become stronger with each individual who backs the campaign , which is why it is so important for every RVN and SVN , along with your colleagues , to get involved . We hope we can count on your support .

Anna Judson ( BVA President ), Steve Barclay and Lyndsay Hughes .

Scan the QR code to find out more or visit the campaign page at https :// bvna . org . uk / project / bvna-protect-the-title-campaign

10 Veterinary Nursing Journal