The RCVS Student Community Award
If you know an outstanding student who makes a real difference to their peers or the wider community, nominate them for the RCVS Student Community Award.
The RCVS Compassion Award
The RCVS Compassion Award recognises veterinary professionals who demonstrate exceptional compassion towards their colleagues and the public. Established in 2021 as part of our strategic commitment to compassion, this prestigious award celebrates those who go above and beyond in supporting others within our profession.
Who can be nominated?
Although showing compassion to animals is a key part of a veterinary professional’s role, this award is to recognise compassion towards other people.
We're looking for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, at any stage of their career, who have demonstrated compassion to:
- Fellow veterinary professionals
- Members of the public who own animals
The compassion shown must have significant impact beyond normal day-to-day expectations. This could be a one-off initiative or sustained effort over time.
How to make a nomination
Nominations can be made by any Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) or Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), excluding current RCVS Council and VN Council members.
You can download and complete the PDF nomination form, providing as much detail as possible about why the nominee deserves the award.
Completed forms should be submitted via our Honours and Awards web form.
Key dates
- Deadline for nominations: 5pm, Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Winners announced: March 2026
- Awards ceremony: RCVS College Day, 3 July 2026
Past recipients
2025
Dr Murray Corke MRCVS
Murray was honoured in recognition of 27 years as a Vetlife Helpline volunteer, from its launch in 1997 to his retirement at the end of 2024. The Helpline is a free and confidential source of emotional and mental health support for all the veterinary community. Murray has done over 600 shifts on the helpline, supporting more than 1,500 people going through a difficult time.
2024
Timothy Sandys MRCVS
The nomination highlighted Timothy’s achievement in starting the Gloucester branch of Street Vet. Street Vet is offering free essential veterinary services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Timothy continues to be the branch’s team leader.
2022
Glen Cousquer MRCVS
Glen was recognised for his role as a founding member of the Campus Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee at the University of Edinburgh, where he works as an MSc Programme Coordinator in Conservation Medicine.
Katie Moore VN MRCVS
Katie was given this award for her role as a Trustee of the Vetlife charity, which provides mental health and emotional support to the veterinary professions. In particular, Katie played a part in commissioning and developing the Vetlife Health Support Service. The service offers bespoke professional mental health support to vets, veterinary nurses and students.
2021
Dr David Martin MRCVS
David was recognised as a consistent advocate for pet, client and team welfare within the non-accidental injury (NAI) field. He also contributed his knowledge and personal time during the pandemic to provide direct support to veterinary teams.
Olivia Wassell RVN
Olivia has worked at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Hammersmith, London, since late 2019. She was nominated for facing the challenges of the pandemic with a completely open mind and flexibility. She had also been a great support to numerous team members.ort to numerous team members familiar and unfamiliar.