Quality Improvement in Practice

I am very proud to win this award. We do have a very dedicated team that works to improve our patients’ safety, and this has been very much a collaborative effort. It is amazing to be rewarded in this way.”

Helen Garbett, Paragon Veterinary Referrals – 2025 Knowledge Award Champion Practice

About the QI in practice award

The RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement in Practice Award celebrates teams using clinical audit and QI techniques to make a real difference in veterinary care. This award recognises those leading the way in better outcomes, safer care, and continuous learning—through structured, measurable improvements.

To apply, show how you’ve used clinical audit to achieve clear, measurable results, especially in line with the domains of quality veterinary healthcare.

Who can apply

This award is open to any veterinary practice or organisation that is using clinical audit to drive improvements in care.

Applications can be submitted by any team member representing their practice or organisation. This includes veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers, administrative staff, and other support roles, regardless of seniority or job title.

Projects involving any species are welcome, including farm, equine, companion animal, exotics, zoo, and wildlife

How to apply

All applicants should read the RCVS Knowledge Awards terms and conditions before applying.

The application process for the Quality Improvement in Practice Award is made up of two sections.

1. Online application form collecting key information.
2. RCVS Knowledge Awards case example template detailing your audit, attached to the online form.

Closing dates

Applications must be received by 9th January 2026.

Winners will be notified in the second quarter of 2026. 

What we’re looking for

Your application will be evaluated based on several key criteria:

• Use of RCVS Knowledge resources and recognised QI methods: demonstrate how you’ve applied RCVS Knowledge resources and recognised QI techniques to achieve measurable progress in your practice.
• Impact and innovation: demonstrate the real-world benefits of your project and its role in driving positive change. This can be illustrated through measurable improvements in workflows and patient safety, as well as a positive practice culture, and systems to enhance team communication and support team wellbeing.
• Comprehensive audit cycle: applications must demonstrate a full audit cycle to be awarded first, second or third place. Promising projects in progress are also welcome, but will only be considered as a potential ‘Highly Commended One to watch’.

Supporting evidence

You can enhance your application with supporting evidence such as team presentations and updates.

Please note, any supporting evidence may be published in its entirety along with your case example. Ensure you have permission from your practice leadership and management teams to provide such evidence.

To maintain a fair and unbiased review process, all additional documents must be anonymised. If your application or supporting documents contain prominent branding (including logos, colours, and job titles that are specific to your organisation) or details that have been previously published, we may not be able to anonymise them effectively. In such cases, these documents will not be included in the materials reviewed by the judging panel, which may affect your overall score.