Acovene accreditation training

ACOVENE’s latest accreditation training session

Yesterday, ACOVENE held an engaging accreditation training session with veterinary nursing professionals from the UK, Ireland, and Belgium. The group included both future and current ACOVENE accreditation panel members, all sharing a strong commitment to maintaining and advancing the quality of veterinary nursing education across Europe.

The training was led by Shirley Gibbins RVN, Qualifications Lead at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), who guided participants through the ACOVENE European Competencies, accreditation policies and procedures, the evaluation process, and the key elements of site visits. The session also highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared expertise in ensuring consistent, high-quality veterinary nursing programmes.

What stood out most was the participants’ enthusiasm for advancing veterinary nursing in Europe. Their dedication to strengthening the profession and supporting educational excellence created a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere throughout the day.

“This training is about more than understanding ACOVENE’s standards and procedures,” said Julie Dugmore RVN, Chair of ACOVENE. “It’s about building a network of passionate professionals committed to shaping the future of veterinary nursing education.”

By bringing together both new and experienced accreditors, ACOVENE continues to build a strong, knowledgeable panel community. Today’s session marked another important step in fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and ensuring that veterinary nursing education across Europe continues to meet high and consistent standards.

The Next Training Opportunity

Training sessions are open to existing panel members as well as veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons with at least five years of experience in veterinary nurse education and/or training who are interested in joining the accreditation panel. Training is free of charge and may count towards CPD requirements.

Completion of this training is mandatory for all panel members before participating in accreditation visits.

The next ACOVENE accreditation training session is on the

20 October 2025 10 am to 4 pm BST.

To secure your place, please contact us.

*In some countries, they are called veterinary technicians, veterinary auxiliaries, para-veterinarians or simply carers for sick animals. European standards for the education and training of these professionals have been set up by ACOVENE.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that what veterinary nurses can and cannot do legally may differ per country.