The RCVS Inspiration Award was introduced in 2017. It recognises exceptional veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who go above and beyond normal expectations, inspiring others through their dedication, innovation, and leadership.
If you know someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’ what may normally be expected from a professional colleague, you can nominate them for the RCVS Inspiration Award.
Nominations can be made by any Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) or Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). This excludes current RCVS Council and VN Council members.
This award is also open to self-nomination. If you are nominating yourself, please be sure to complete the form in the third person using your own name and preferred pronouns in place of 'I' to avoid bias.
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.
Deadline for nominations: 5pm, Wednesday 7 January 2026
Since 2017, we've recognised outstanding professionals who inspire others across diverse areas of practice and beyond.
Nicola Jarvis MRCVS
Nicola was nominated for her work as Head of Veterinary Care at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The sanctuary cares for more than 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules rescued from abuse and neglect at its sites in England and Scotland. Nicola has worked for the charity since 1996.
Kerry Flynn RVN
Kerry was honoured for her role as Chair of Protected Paws Animal Rescue, which treats and rehomes stray and sick animals in Greater London and beyond.
Alexandra Taylor RVN
Alexandra’s internationally-acclaimed work in feline nursing was the reason for the award. She is the Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour Advisor for International Cat Care. In this role, Alexandra educates cat owners, veterinary teams and people who work with cats globally about how to optimise their care and welfare.
Dr Katie Ford MRCVS
Katie was chosen to receive this award for her dedication to supporting and inspiring veterinary professionals. A highlight was Katie’s work signposting others to support by sharing her experience of imposter syndrome, low confidence and mental health struggles.
Dr Laura Higham MRCVS
Supporting veterinary professionals to become champions for sustainability was the reason Laura was given this award. The nomination also referenced her enabling veterinary professionals to become campaigners on issues relating to the environment and climate change.
Dr Alex Davies MRCVS
Alex was honoured for his role as President of Vet Mentor, a non-profit organisation dedicated to students who are aspiring to study veterinary medicine at university. Alex has created new educational programmes to inspire, inform and prepare future vets.
Brian Faulkner FRCVS
His role in championing the importance of non-clinical skills for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses is the main reason Brian received this award. Brian’s work as co-founder of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association and the Accredited Veterinary Receptionist Award was also referenced.
Dr Daniella Dos Santos FRCVS
Daniella received this award for her leadership role during the coronavirus pandemic, as the youngest ever President of the BVA. Daniella’s nomination praised her calm, considered and sympathetic attitude, and clearly set out a path for the rest of the profession to follow.
Professor Mandy Peffers FRCVS
Mandy’s career pivot from practising veterinary surgeon to academic while balancing family commitments was the reason she received this award. She is now a Wellcome Trust Clinical Intermediate Fellow in Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science at the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences at the University of Liverpool.
Dr Freda Scott-Park MRCVS
Freda’s leading role in The Links Group is the reason she received this award. The Links Group seeks to identify and raise awareness of the links between human-to-animal abuse and other forms of abusive behaviour.
Dr Laura Mary Muir MRCVS
Laura’s ability to combine her professional athletics career with her veterinary one is the reason she was given this award. It has had a positive influence on the veterinary community by modelling that it’s possible to successfully combine study demands with the rigours of elite sport.
Louise Northway RVN
Louise runs ‘Lou the Vet Nurse’ – a popular social media account which constantly champions the valued skills of veterinary nurses and their contribution to the veterinary community. The nomination also referenced her role on the British Veterinary Nursing Association’s governing Council.
Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE MRCVS
Derek was honoured in recognition of his impact inspiring generations of veterinary students, residents and Specialists. Derek appeared on our RCVS Podcast, talking about how members of the profession can seize the day and inspire their peers.
Dr Ebony Escalona MRCVS
Her work as a veterinary advisor at the Brooke equine charity and as the founding member of the Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify Facebook group earned Ebony this award. Ebony appeared on our RCVS Podcast, talking about the many doors that can be opened with a 'veterinary passport'.
