RCVS Knowledge Awards open for applications for 2026

The 2026 RCVS Knowledge Awards are now open for applications. The Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the veterinary professions — recognising teams who are using Quality Improvement (QI) methods to advance the quality of care through innovation, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

The Awards are open to all organisations and practice teams across the UK who are using recognised QI techniques to improve outcomes. Applications are welcome from all settings, covering all species.

The Award categories are as follows:

• The Antimicrobial Stewardship Award showcases practical examples where veterinary teams have used QI methods to improve responsible use of antibiotics.
• The Quality Improvement to Lead Organisational Change Award is open to organisations that make positive organisation-wide change using recognised QI methods.
• The Quality Improvement in Practice Award celebrates veterinary teams that have used recognised QI techniques to drive improvement in care.

Applications are open until Friday 9th January 2026.

Ashley Doorly, Head of Quality Improvement at RCVS Knowledge, said: “Now in its seventh year, the RCVS Knowledge Awards continue to highlight the incredible work being done across the veterinary professions to improve patient safety and outcomes, boost team morale, embed evidence-based veterinary medicine, and support more fulfilling careers. Over the years, we’ve seen how strong team culture lays the foundation for successful Quality Improvement projects.

“This year, we’re especially excited to receive applications that explore emerging priorities such as sustainability, One Health, and contextualised care.”

Ashley Doorly

How do the Awards work?

The top three applications from each category will win a Champion Award, in first, second, and third place, recognising their commitment to driving improvement. Award winners will be selected in Summer 2026, and will receive the following:

• First place: £300 prize and an invitation for a practice representative to attend an award ceremony.
• Second place: £250
• Third place: £200

Champion Award-winning practices will also be awarded plaques, certificates, and badges for their teams.

Strong applicants who do not place in the top three but have met assessment criteria will be named either Highly Commended Runners-up, or for those who are laying strong foundations for QI but haven’t completed a full audit cycle yet, Ones to watch.

How are the Awards judged?

The Awards are judged blind by a panel of reviewers against an assessment framework.

The reviewing panel – which consists of experts in a range of roles and from organisations across the veterinary sector – is looking for examples of QI methods being used to make measurable improvements in practice.

A winning entry will be able to demonstrate the following:

• The problem the team decided to tackle.
• Evidence of a full audit cycle.
• The use of recognised QI techniques to achieve measurable progress
• Real-world impact using qualitative and quantitative data