VN Futures Board meeting July 2020

The VN Futures Board met virtually on Friday 3 July to discuss the progress of the project and plans going forward. Understandably, progress has been slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic however, there has still been behind-the-scenes work taking place, with plenty to discuss.

VN Futures Project Manager Jill Macdonald gave an update on progress which included the release of the final webinar in the VN Futures series on the value of veterinary nursing. All three webinars in the series are fantastic and I would highly recommend taking the time out to watch them, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all three speakers; Louise Northway RVN, Stephanie Writer-Davies MRCVS and Gillian Page RVN for their brilliant work and support of the VN Futures project.

Another exciting development has been the launch, in May, of a dedicated VN Futures website where the work of the project is showcased along with news, upcoming events and resources such as career case studies.  We hope that you take the time to look at all the content the website has to offer, take inspiration from it and be inspired to get involved in the project.

The Board also discussed plans for the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) This is Us 2020 online event, where we will be holding several sessions to allow you to give your views on current topics affecting the veterinary nursing profession. This is your opportunity to have your say so please register – details will be available soon.

This was my last meeting as the Chair and a member of the Board. It has been a great privilege to work with such an amazing group of people who are so passionate about our profession, and to see the immense amount of work which has been done.  I would like to thank everyone who is involved with the VN Futures project – your contributions are invaluable.

It is my pleasure to hand over to Jo Oakden, BVNA Junior Vice President, who I know will be a great Chair.

Racheal Marshall
Outgoing Chair, VN Futures Board

I joined the VN Futures Board when I became BVNA Junior Vice President in October 2019.  So much has been achieved by VN Futures up to this point and it is a very exciting time to be part of the VN Futures journey and I am looking forward to chairing for this upcoming year.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Racheal for chairing this last year and her invaluable contributions to the project.

Jo Oakden
Incoming Chair, VN Futures Board

Updates on other Board Members

We welcome Nikki Ruedisueli as a member of the VN Futures Executive Group, in her role as the BVNA’s Head of Learning and Development.

Following the RCVS AGM on Friday ¹⁰ July, and the investiture of Matthew Rendle and Belinda Andrews-Jones as respective Chair and Vice-Chair of RCVS VN Council, we can confirm that Matthew will continue his role as a VN Futures Board member, and would like to welcome Belinda as an incoming member of the Board.