The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award was introduced in 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first veterinary nurse training course. It celebrates veterinary nurses who have made exceptional contributions to advancing veterinary nursing through clinical excellence, leadership, education, research, or professional advocacy.
Nominees must be Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), excluding current VN council members. They should have demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership in veterinary nursing throughout their career.
The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Honours & Awards is now open. Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Nominations can be made by any RCVS Members (MRCVS) or Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), excluding current RCVS Council and VN Council members.
You’ll need to download and complete the PDF nomination form, providing as much detail as possible about why the nominee deserves the award.
If you experience any issues accessing the form contact Kieran Thakrar, Executive Assistant to the CEO, at [email protected].
Completed forms should be submitted via our Honours and Awards web form.
Our previous award winners represent the very best of veterinary nursing, excelling across clinical practice, education, research and professional leadership.
Perdita Welsh RVN
Director of Veterinary Nursing at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Perdita received the award for her dedication to professional development for veterinary nurses. An RVC graduate herself, Perdita helped set up the UK’s first veterinary clinical skills training centre at the RVC, as well as developing a number of graduate and postgraduate veterinary nursing qualifications.
Dr Andrea Jeffery RVN
Andrea was the first veterinary nurse to chair RCVS VN Council as well as being the first to sit as a member of RCVS Council, representing the University of Bristol Veterinary School. As VN Council Chair, Andrea oversaw the creation of the first Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. In 2007, along with fellow former VN Council member Hilary Orpet RVN, Andrea developed the ‘Orpet and Jeffery Ability Model’, the first model of veterinary nursing care which helped to provide a standardised approach. Latterly, Andrea worked as Chief Nursing Officer for Linnaeus with responsibility for more than 2,000 nursing staff.
Kirsty Cavill RVN
Animal physiotherapist Kirsty was honoured for her skills and knowledge helping older dogs with canine arthritis, and training and advising others on therapeutic techniques. Her nominator Lynsey Tindall RVN praised her passion for nursing and described her as "an educational leader in her field who strongly feels that volunteering is a great way to give back to her profession, patients and colleagues."
Jane Devaney RVN
Jane was honoured for her dedication to the veterinary nursing profession. She was celebrated for her tireless work to make veterinary nursing a specialism equal to any other branch of equine veterinary practice, cementing the incredible value of veterinary nurses as part of the veterinary team.
Kathy Kissick RVN
Kathy received the award for her contribution to veterinary education as former Head of Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College and championing the profession as Chair of VN Council.
Louise O’Dwyer RVN
Louise was given the award for her leadership role as a clinical director for a veterinary group, her advocacy on behalf on the profession and her research work into antimicrobial resistance.
Dot Creighton RVN
Dot was honoured for her pioneering awareness raising on behalf of the profession as a President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association. This includes founding what would become VN Awareness Month.
Hayley Myfanwy Walters RVN
Hayley was nominated for her clinical, education and international outreach work. She works as an Anaesthesia and Welfare Veterinary Nurse at the University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals and supports outreach work at the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
