During its recent 2025 Congress, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) presented its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, 11 October. The inspiring winners and finalists were nominated by colleagues, friends and family, as individuals who have encouraged and supported others.
In BVNA’s 60th anniversary year, the award categories were presented in memory of prominent individuals from the association’s history. Nominations were invited from registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs), any other members of the veterinary team, or from family and friends of the nominee.
The Jean Turner Award – RVN of the Year
This award celebrated a veterinary nurse that has gone out of their way to raise awareness of the RVN role. They will have ensured that colleagues and clients understand the needs for protecting the “veterinary nurse” title, legislative reform, and utilising veterinary nursing skills. Jean Turner was a dedicated and passionate veterinary nurse, and a BVNA Council Member for many years.
Up against finalists Hazel Green and Samantha Morgan-Hourd, the Jean Turner Award was won by Karen Hatton. Nominated by colleagues and friends, Karen was described as one of the most dedicated veterinary nurses within the profession – putting forwards new ideas and solutions to help better the practice, and wanting the best for her colleagues and the animals in her care.
The Jennifer Townson Award – SVN of the Year
This award recognised an SVN who is currently undertaking training, and has contributed to raising awareness of the veterinary nurse role, or has been supportive to other students throughout their studies. Jennifer Townson was one of the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliaries (RANA), and was the very first chairperson of BVNA when it was formed.
As a special part of the awards ceremony, this award was presented by Jennifer Townson’s granddaughter, Emma Townson – who has continued her grandmother’s legacy by becoming a veterinary nurse herself. Attending the ceremony alongside finalists Ebony Royal and Claire Smith, the Jennifer Townson Award was won by Sophie Barnes.
Sophie was nominated by a colleague who described her as an amazing student and person. She self-funded her way through the VCA course whilst volunteering in practice, and having re-taken her GCSEs, she is now undertaking her veterinary nursing training and taking everything in her stride. She is so determined and hardworking, and is always positive and a joy to be around.
The Des Thompson Award – Veterinary Team Member of the Year
This new award celebrated any member of the veterinary team who is not an RVN/SVN (eg, vet, veterinary care assistant, receptionist), who has made a real difference to a veterinary nursing colleague in their development. Nominees will have provided support and enabled their veterinary nursing colleague to progress in their role or career. Des Thompson was a proud honorary member of BVNA and a huge supporter of the veterinary nursing community.
Joining the ceremony alongside fellow finalists Sharon Ord and Megan Roberts, the Des Thompson award was won by Carla England. Carla was nominated by her colleague who described her hands-on approach and her admirable support with running their practice. Working alongside one of the practice’s veterinary surgeons, Carla has written and run evening CPD classes specifically for veterinary nurses. This work has been completed in her own time, demonstrating her dedication to the team, students and their practice.
VNJ Writer of the Year Award
he final award category highlighted those articles published in the Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ), BVNA’s peer-reviewed membership publication, which have encouraged discussions, or positive change, or improved clinical standards in practice. Eligible articles were to have been published in the VNJ between September 2024 and July 2025.
This award was won by Lauryn Read, for her article in the June 2025 issue of the VNJ, entitled “Caring for those who care for animals”. One nominator wrote that Lauryn is passionate about raising the profile of mental health within the profession, striving to talk openly and encourage others to do the same with regards to mental health in the workplace.’
The runner-up in this category was Ruby Scholefield, with her article on “A guide to enteral feeding tubes”.
BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “Presenting our annual awards at BVNA Congress is a true highlight of our calendar. In BVNA’s 60th year, we were especially delighted to celebrate these inspiring individuals, showcasing their contributions to the veterinary nursing profession and their teams. This year’s special award categories were dedicated to a handful of remarkable individuals who have made their mark on BVNA’s history, and who championed the veterinary nursing profession both personally and professionally.
“I would like to thank all those who submitted a nomination in any of these award categories. We know that being put forwards for an award means a great deal and provides a deep sense of recognition to all of our nominees. It is an honour to read through all the inspiring nominations we receive.
“I would also like to congratulate all of the deserving winners and finalists across all of our awards. All should feel exceptionally proud that their dedication to the veterinary nursing profession has been recognised by those around them. It is a real honour for BVNA to be able to share the incredible work being carried out by veterinary nurses, and in support of veterinary nurses.”
