Comments BVNA NEWS
Raising visibility of the LGBTQIA + community during Pride Month 2026
Pride Month is celebrated each June, seeking to raise the visibility of the LGBTQIA + community, promote allyship and advocate for the work still needed to achieve a truly inclusive society. Throughout Pride Month 2026, BVNA shared stories and experiences from members of the LGBTQIA + community within the veterinary nursing profession, including Hannah Redden( pictured), a student veterinary nurse and proud lesbian, who discussed the support and acceptance she has received in her workplace. By highlighting the rich diversity within the veterinary nursing workforce, BVNA hopes to inspire others and widen participation – while demonstrating to those already in the veterinary nursing profession that they are not alone.
Read the Pride Month stories from the LGBTQIA + veterinary nursing community
https:// bvna. org. uk / blog / category / pride /
Restrictive covenants in contracts
USER-ALT BVNA Members Advisory Service( BMAS)
Restrictive covenants are increasingly common in veterinary nursing employment contracts. They could significantly limit future career opportunities if they are not fully understood. Employers may use several types of covenant to protect their business interests, client relationships, confidential information and team stability, but these clauses must be reasonable and justified if they are to be enforceable.
The reasonableness of a restrictive covenant is usually judged by how long it lasts, how far it reaches geographically and which activities it prevents. If the restriction is too broad, lasts too long or covers too large an area, it is less likely to be seen as fair or enforceable. Senior roles with greater access to sensitive information or client influence, such as head nurses or clinical managers, may lawfully face stricter restrictions because employers can more readily demonstrate a legitimate interest.
The full article gives some practical advice, including querying unclear or unusually restrictive terms and when it may be possible to challenge unjustified limitations. It urges a balance between employer protections and the individual ' s right to work and progress. The article advises veterinary nurses to be proactive and informed when reviewing employment contracts.
Read the full article on the BMAS blog https:// bvna. org. uk / blog / category / bvna-members-advisory-service
The BMAS team of trained HR professionals has been providing BVNA members with expert advice on employment law and related matters for 20 + years. The service is a BVNA member benefit, and members can call 01822 870270 or email advisoryservice @ bvna. co. uk for independent, confidential support as often as needed. Please have your BVNA membership number to hand, which can be found in your profile on the BVNA website.
Volume 41( 4) • August 2026
7