BVNA/BVA/RCVS parliamentary reception

Wendy Nevins — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:06:31 GMT

Yesterday felt like one of those rare moments where you can pause, look around, and see the thread running through years of work, persistence and belief.

As a past BVNA president, I have always known that progress for veterinary nursing does not happen because one person asks nicely, or because one meeting goes well. It happens because people keep showing up. They keep making the case. They keep challenging outdated systems, even when change feels slow.

The parliamentary reception hosted by BVNA, BVA and RCVS was a powerful reminder of that.

The need to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act has been discussed for many years, and for veterinary nurses this is not just about legislation. It is about whether the law properly recognises the profession we have become, the responsibilities we already carry, and the role we play in supporting animal welfare, veterinary teams and the clients who rely on us.

Hearing these conversations being taken seriously in Parliament meant a great deal.

It was particularly moving to listen to Baroness Hayman speak so clearly about why change is needed, and to hear the position of veterinary nurses recognised within that wider discussion.

I found myself thinking about the people who started these conversations long before me, those who have carried them forward, and those who are still doing the hard work now. The legislative working party began in 2017, but the foundations go back much further than that. So many veterinary nurses have pushed, explained, challenged and represented this profession over the years.

Standing in Parliament with past presidents, current leaders, future leaders, colleagues and friends was a real privilege. Not because it was a grand setting, although it certainly was, but because of what it represented.

A profession that continues to grow.

A voice that is becoming harder to ignore.

A collective effort that is still moving forward.

There is still a long way to go, and nobody should pretend otherwise. Legislative reform is slow, complex and never guaranteed. But yesterday felt like progress.

I am incredibly proud of the veterinary nurses who continue to show up, stand tall and represent this profession, proud of the BVNA team and policy colleagues who keep driving this work forward, and proud to have played even a small part in that journey.

What a privilege to stand there as a past BVNA president and think: this matters, and we are not done yet.

#whatVNsdo #protectthetitle #proud #progress #WeAreNotDoneYet

What Do People Often Misunderstand About Your Role as a Nurse?

Wendy Nevins — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:39:33 GMT

For other RVNs and student nurses, what is something you wish more people understood about your role?

It could be something clients misunderstand, something the wider team overlooks, or something you feel nurses carry that does not always get seen.

I would really like to hear different perspectives on this.

What’s the Biggest Challenge in Veterinary Practice Right Now?

Wendy Nevins — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:37:43 GMT

What is the biggest challenge in practice right now: workload, pay, client behaviour, team morale, or something else?

Is anyone else planning on going to BVNA Congress this year?

Wendy Nevins — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:44:20 GMT

I’d love to know who’s going, what talks or sessions you’re interested in, and whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before.

It would be lovely to connect with a few familiar names before the event.

I went for the first time on my own back in early 90's.

If anyone is attending on their own let me know.

Wendy Nevins's Activities

BVNA/BVA/RCVS parliamentary reception

What Do People Often Misunderstand About Your Role as a Nurse?

What’s the Biggest Challenge in Veterinary Practice Right Now?

Is anyone else planning on going to BVNA Congress this year?