The RCVS Compassion Award

Who can be nominated?

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:

• Fellow veterinary professionals
• Animal-owning members of the public 

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.

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), excluding current RCVS Council and VN Council members.

When do nominations open?

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

Past recipients

2025

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.

2024

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.

2022

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.

2021

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.