The RCVS Inspiration Award

Who can be nominated?  

If you know someone who has gone ‘above and beyond’ what may normally be expected from a professional colleague, you can nominate them for the RCVS Inspiration Award.

How to make a nomination

Nominations can be made by any Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) or Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). This excludes current RCVS Council and VN Council members.

This award is also open to self-nomination. If you are nominating yourself, please be sure to complete the form in the third person using your own name and preferred pronouns in place of 'I' to avoid bias.

When do nominations open?

Nominations for the 2027 awards open in autumn 2026 - keep an eye out for updates.
 

Previous recipients

Since 2017, we've recognised outstanding professionals who inspire others across diverse areas of practice and beyond.

2025

Nicola Jarvis MRCVS

Nicola was nominated for her work as Head of Veterinary Care at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The sanctuary, which has sites in England and Scotland, cares for more than 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules rescued from abuse and neglect. Nicola has worked for the charity since 1996.

Kerry Flynn RVN

Kerry was honoured for her role as Chair of Protected Paws Animal Rescue, which treats and rehomes stray and sick animals in Greater London and beyond.

2024

Alexandra Taylor RVN

Alexandra was recognised for her internationally acclaimed work in feline nursing. She serves as the Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour Advisor for International Cat Care, educating cat owners, veterinary teams, and professionals working with cats worldwide on how to optimise care and welfare.

2023

Dr Katie Ford MRCVS

Katie was chosen for this award in recognition of her dedication to supporting and inspiring veterinary professionals A highlight was Katie’s work signposting others to support by sharing her experience of imposter syndrome, low confidence and mental health struggles.

Dr Laura Higham MRCVS

Laura received this award for supporting veterinary professionals to become champions for sustainability. Her work also enabled veterinarians to take an active role in campaigning on environmental and climate change issues.

2022

Dr Alex Davies MRCVS

Alex was honoured for his role as President of Vet Mentor, a non-profit organisation dedicated to students aspiring to study veterinary medicine at university. Alex has created new educational programmes to inspire, inform and prepare future vets.

Brian Faulkner FRCVS

His role in championing the importance of non-clinical skills for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses was the key reason Brian received this award. His contributions as co-founder of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association and the Accredited Veterinary Receptionist Award were also highlighted. 

2021

Dr Daniella Dos Santos FRCVS

Daniella received this award for her leadership during the coronavirus pandemic as the youngest ever President of the BVA. Her nomination highlighted her calm, considered, and sympathetic approach, which provided a clear example for the rest of the profession to follow.

Professor Mandy Peffers FRCVS

Mandy’s career pivot from practising veterinary surgeon to academic while balancing family commitments was the reason she received this award. She is now a Wellcome Trust Clinical Intermediate Fellow in Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science at the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences at the University of Liverpool.

2020

Dr Freda Scott-Park MRCVS

Freda’s leading role in The Links Group is the reason she received this award. The Links Group seeks to identify and raise awareness of the links between human-to-animal abuse and other forms of abusive behaviour.

2019

Dr Laura Mary Muir MRCVS

Laura was presented with this award in recognition of her ability to successfully combine her professional athletics career with her veterinary career. Her example has positively influenced the veterinary community by demonstrating that it is possible to balance the demands of study and training with the rigours of elite sport.

Louise Northway RVN

Louise runs ‘Lou the Vet Nurse’ - a popular social media account which constantly champions the valued skills of veterinary nurses and their contribution to the veterinary community. The nomination also referenced her role on the British Veterinary Nursing Association’s governing Council.

2018

Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE MRCVS

Derek was honoured for his impact in inspiring generations of veterinary students, residents, and Specialists. He has appeared on the RCVS Podcast discussing how members of the profession can seize the day and inspire their peers.

Dr Ebony Escalona MRCVS  

Ebony received this award for her work as a veterinary advisor at the Brooke equine charity and as a founding member of the Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify Facebook group. She appeared on the RCVS Podcast to discuss the many opportunities that can be accessed through a “veterinary passport.”