A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by the presidents of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).
BVNA president Steph Worsley met with BVA president Dr Gwen Rees at BVNA Congress, which took place at Telford International Centre on 10 October 2026.
The MoU has been agreed for the next three years, but will be regularly reviewed in light of emerging challenges, development and opportunities in the professions.
Dating back to 2017, the associations say that the renewed MoU will strengthen their collaboration on issues impacting veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and animal welfare as a whole. In the coming year, key topics will include the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the implementation of the Competition and Markets Authority’s Final Orders for the small animal sector.
BVA and BVNA say that they will unite to advocate for a ‘modern legislative framework’ which recognises the roles of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. They state that the framework must support effective team working and help all professions meet the needs of animal owners and society.
The MoU also sets out how the BVA and the BVNA will represent their professions’ views to the government, parliamentarians, policymakers, the media, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the wider public.
Steph Worsley said: “At this period of enormous change and opportunity for the veterinary sector, our collaboration has proved instrumental to achieving positive outcomes – for our professions, animal health and welfare, and public health. My Presidential theme is ‘Unity’, and so it could not be more fitting that my first act as BVNA President is to commit to this working relationship with BVA for the next three years.”
Gwen Rees FRCVS said: “Vet teams have faced intense scrutiny and pressure in recent years, but through these challenging times we’ve shown how working collaboratively with a common goal we can deliver impactful change. BVA is proud to continue working closely with BVNA, to support and stand up for vets and vet nurses as together as we face fresh challenges but also embrace opportunities."
Image © BVNA
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