A guest blog by Sarah Holliday RVN, the incoming BVNA President, sharing how Lyndsay has inspired and championed the veterinary nursing profession.
As I embark on my journey into the role of British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) President I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate our current BVNA Senior Vice President, Lyndsay Hughes. Lyndsay has been a huge support for me both professionally and personally during my time on council and I feel incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to learn from her. I have witnessed first-hand how Lyndsay has represented and championed the veterinary nursing profession, not only in a room full of BVNA council members and staff but also in a room of key stakeholders, often as the only RVN.
Addressing the issues of the day
Lyndsay has been representing the BVNA for over five years and worked up to her presidential term in 2023. Due to unforeseen circumstances Lyndsay remained within the role for an additional year and has represented the BVNA tirelessly during another extremely pivotal year for the profession. Whilst president, Lyndsay has represented and been the voice of RVNs, lobbying for better recognition, regulation, improvement of standards and working conditions for the profession. She has been leading the BVNA’s efforts in legislative and regulatory space in 2025 and has prepared for a number of public consultations. Lyndsay ensures the BVNA voice is present and heard at decision making tables. She has been on the front line representing veterinary nurses in projects such as the CMA investigation and legislative reform.
Earlier this year, Lyndsay had the opportunity, on behalf of the BVNA and Veterinary nurses, to attend and present feedback to a panel of CMA experts. Although a daunting experience for Lyndsay, she prepared an excellent presentation and presented this with professionalism and accuracy. She emphasized and raised awareness on the role and recognition of veterinary nurses, with a particular focus on regulatory reform.
Throughout this year, DEFRA have held a series of meetings called “Sprints”, where legislative reform was split into eight subjects allowing a working group to dissect each aspect of the legislative reform. Lyndsay has worked tirelessly to represent BVNA members, working alongside DEFRA, BVA, RCVS and other key stakeholders as the sole representative and voice for veterinary nurses, ensuring that veterinary nurses are considered and that their opinions are heard.
The BVNA gained feedback and insight from the BVNA council, the association’s members and the wider veterinary nursing profession. This enabled the association to formulate a response based on the views of veterinary nurses with a wide range of job roles, species and experiences. This allowed Lyndsay to ensure all veterinary nurses are adequately represented throughout these pivotal conversations, which in turn promotes an exciting opportunity for progression within the nursing profession if legislative reform is achieved. She has positioned the BVNA as a key stakeholder for protection of the veterinary nurse title, clearer legal recognition of nurse competencies and structural progression pathways.
Nurturing nurses of the future
Lyndsay has worked in veterinary practice since 2003 and has a special interest in nurse development. She is director for a Small Animal Hospital in Wiltshire and is the only RVN that sits on the board. Lyndsay oversees the nursing and VCA team and is a clear example of the huge value that a veterinary nurse can bring to a leadership role. As someone who continues to work in veterinary practice whilst holding a leadership role, Lyndsay brings first-hand experience into strategic decision making. With an emphasis on progression, development and leadership, Lyndsay continues to help strengthen the role of the veterinary nurse and how nurses should and can be utilised, even within current legislation.
Alongside her directorship and family life, she has continued to dedicate herself to the association and has been an integral part of pivotal and vital projects to help progress the nursing profession as a whole. Early in her presidency, Lyndsay called for renewed efforts to improve salaries within the profession. She has also been a key part in important projects such as chronic illness support and the diversity and inclusion working group. As she has progressed through her time on council, her role has continued to develop and Lyndsay has demonstrated her ability to expand the president role to elevate veterinary nursing in national regulatory discussion.
Lyndsay is an all-round powerhouse. As a mother of two, as well as her own long and fulfilling veterinary nursing career, she strives to push the veterinary nurse profession forward – all while maintaining a family and running a business!
On a personal level, Lyndsay is extremely supportive to all within the BVNA. Her kind, fair and professional manner inspires confidence, helping younger colleagues to speak up and ensuring that the BVNA’s voice is heard at pivotal moments. Lyndsay shows resilience and hard work in everything she does. She is always a pleasure to work with and is a huge inspiration to not only her peers, but all veterinary nurses and friends alike. She is a fabulous role model and a great asset to the veterinary nursing profession!
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