The RCVS Compassion Award was first bestowed in 2021 to reflect the focus of the RCVS on compassion, as part of the 2020-2024 and 2025-2029 strategic plans.
It will be awarded to a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse at any stage of their career who has demonstrated compassion towards fellow professionals and/or members of the animal-owning public. This may be as part of a one-off initiative or sustained over a longer period of time, but the individual needs to have made a significant impact and shown genuine compassion above and beyond what might have been expected of them as part of their day-to-day work.
Although showing compassion to animals is a key part of a veterinary professional’s role, this award is to recognise compassion towards other people.
We're looking for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses at any stage of their career who have demonstrated compassion to:
The compassion shown must have significant impact beyond normal day-to-day expectations. This could be a one-off initiative or sustained effort over time.
Nominees for the award can be any MRCVS or RVN who fits the criteria - excluding current members of RCVS Council and VN Council.
Nominations for the Compassion Award can only be made by MRCVS or RVNs – although current RCVS Council and VN Council members, and close family members of the nominee (including spouses) are excluded.
This award is also open to self-nomination. If you are self-nominating, please be sure to complete this form in the first person, for example, “I have…”.
Nominations for the 2027 Compassion Award are now open with a deadline of 5pm on Monday 11 January 2027.
Dr Robert Campbell MRCVS
Robert, a former Senior Lecturer in Primary Care at the University of Liverpool’s School of Veterinary Science, was recognised for his work as ‘Schwartz Rounds Lead’ at the university. Schwartz Rounds are confidential group forums where staff and students can come together to talk about and reflect on the emotional aspects of their work with a view to improving wellbeing.
Dr Murray Corke MRCVS
Murray was honoured in recognition of 27 years as a Vetlife Helpline volunteer, from its launch in 1997 to his retirement at the end of 2024. The Helpline is a free and confidential source of emotional and mental health support for all the veterinary community. Murray has done over 600 shifts on the helpline, supporting more than 1,500 people going through a difficult time.
Timothy Sandys MRCVS
Timothy was recognised for establishing the Gloucester branch of StreetVet, which delivers free, essential veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. He heads up the branch as team leader.
Glen Cousquer MRCVS
Glen was honoured for his role as a founding member of the Campus Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee at the University of Edinburgh, where he works as MSc Programme Coordinator in Conservation Medicine.
Katie Moore VN MRCVS
Katie received the award for her work as a Trustee of Vetlife, the charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary professions. She played a key role in commissioning and developing the Vetlife Health Support Service, which provides tailored professional mental health support to vets, veterinary nurses and students.
Dr David Martin MRCVS
David was recognised as a consistent advocate for pet, client and team welfare within the non-accidental injury (NAI) field. During the coronavirus pandemic, he also dedicated his time and expertise to directly support veterinary teams.
Olivia Wassell RVN
Olivia, who has worked at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Hammersmith since 2019, was honoured for her openness, flexibility and resilience during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as her support for colleagues during a particularly challenging time.
