During its Congress last month, the BVNA held its annual awards ceremony and celebrated the inspiring individuals making a difference across the veterinary profession. The awards recognise veterinary nurses, students and wider team members who have gone above and beyond in their work role to demonstrate the values of compassion, empathy and dedication to their colleagues and patients.
Want to learn more about the winners? Read on.
Celebrating excellence in veterinary nursing
Katie Vokes, Head Registered Veterinary Nurse at Beaumont Veterinary Centres in Oxfordshire, was named the winner of the Jean Turner Award – RVN of the Year.
This award celebrates a veterinary nurse that has gone out of their way to show compassion and empathy towards patients, clients or colleagues. Jean Turner was a dedicated and passionate veterinary nurse, and a BVNA Council Member for many years.
Katie was praised for her supportive leadership and commitment to helping those around her develop. Her nominator described her as “one of those leader’s people naturally turn to”, highlighting her ability to make colleagues feel capable and valued.
Fellow finalists included Evie Tummon of Glebe Veterinary Surgery in Cornwall and Katie Sumner-Walker of Manchester Cat Clinic.
Championing brilliance among veterinary students
Hannah Chapman, a Student Veterinary Nurse at Rase Veterinary Centre in Lincolnshire, received the Jennifer Townson Award – SVN of the Year.
This award recognises an SVN who has supported clients and patients by showing compassion and empathy during their training. Jennifer Townson was one of the first Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliaries (RANA), and was the very first Chairperson of BVNA when it was formed.
Hannah was recognised for her ability to support animals, owners and colleagues during challenging moments, bringing reassurance and kindness to those who need it. Her nominator highlighted her understanding that veterinary nursing is not only about clinical skills, but also about “compassion, trust, and being there when it matters most.”
Fellow finalists were Louise Hampton of Rathgael Veterinary Clinic in County Down and Jessica Hardy of Acorn Vets in East Sussex.
Recognising the people behind the profession
Gemma Farrell, Practice Manager at Warren House Veterinary Centre, was awarded the Des Thompson Award – Veterinary Team Member of the Year.
This award celebrates any member of the veterinary team who is not an RVN/SVN, who has demonstrated compassion and empathy in the practice setting. Des Thompson was a proud honorary member of BVNA and a huge supporter of the veterinary nursing community.
Nominated by four of her colleagues, Gemma was praised for her exceptional emotional intelligence, supportive leadership and ability to recognise the strengths of those around her. Despite joining the practice without a clinical background, she has become an influential figure within the organisation, building trust across the team and supporting colleagues through challenges.
Fellow finalists included Laura Szabo Jeal, Veterinary Care Assistant at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery in Kent, and Gaby Holder, Receptionist at Uplands Way Veterinary Clinics in Norfolk.
Celebrating contributions to veterinary knowledge
Amy Morton, author of ‘The importance of quality-of-life assessments for senior patients’ (August 2025), was awarded the VNJ Writer of the Year Award.
This award category highlights the 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 August 2025 and July 2026.
Amy’s article explored the importance of considering the wellbeing of both senior pets and their owners, particularly during the emotional challenges surrounding end-of-life care. Her nominator praised the compassionate approach taken towards quality-of-life assessments and the recognition that grief can begin long before a pet passes away.
Vicky Weller was also named a finalist for her article Supporting owners during their animal’s end of life care and euthanasia (August 2025).
A note from the BVNA President
BVNA President Steph Worsley commented: “It was an enormous privilege to present this year’s BVNA Awards. The ceremony gave us a special opportunity to showcase the inspiring people making up the veterinary professions, and who all demonstrate compassion and empathy in their work.
“I would like to congratulate all of the deserving nominees, finalists and winners across all of our award categories. All should feel exceptionally proud of their contributions to the profession, which has
gained the recognition of those around them. As always, it was incredibly difficult for our judging panel to shortlist our finalists from so many worthy nominations.
“I would also like to thank all those who took the time to submit a nomination. Being nominated for an award provides an enormous sense of recognition and a boost to so many dedicated individuals working within our profession. BVNA is proud to do our part to raise awareness of the incredible work carried out by veterinary teams, every single day.”
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