Only the most outstanding applications will progress through each round, leading to the selection of our Champions and Highly Commended runners-up. This rigorous process helps ensure the winners represent the culmination of excellence in QI.
How applications are assessed
Your application will undergo a thorough evaluation process designed to recognise the very best in QI. Applications are assessed using a blinded peer-review assessing framework.
Here’s how it works:
- Initial review: your application will first be reviewed by the RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Team to ensure it meets the basic criteria and showcases a commitment to QI.
- Detailed evaluation: if your application passes the initial review, it will move on to a more detailed evaluation. Here, a panel of reviewers will dive deep into the details of your project, assessing the quality, impact and innovation of your work.
- Final judging: in the final stage, a panel of judges will conduct a review of the top applications. This review builds on the detailed evaluations and determines the final rankings, including the selection of first, second, and third-place award recipients.
Who assesses applications
Your application will be assessed by a diverse and experienced group of experts, including:
- RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Advisory Board: experienced experts in Quality Improvement from across the veterinary sector.
- RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees: leaders committed to the mission of RCVS Knowledge to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society.
- RCVS Knowledge quality improvement team: members of the RCVS Knowledge team with expertise in advancing QI in veterinary care.
The QI in Practice and QI to Lead Organisational Change awards are also assessed by RCVS Practice Standards Assessors. This is a group of professional assessors who assure high standards in veterinary practices.
The Antimicrobial Stewardship Award is also assessed by members of the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Focus Groups. This is a group of experts dedicated to advancing the responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary care.
Winning applications
We have three award levels:
- champion
- highly commended
- one to watch.
Champion award
The champion award is the pinnacle of recognition in the RCVS Knowledge Awards, celebrating the very best in QI within the veterinary profession. This prestigious award recognises the highest level of commitment to driving improvement that leads to better outcomes, care, and learning.
Three practices/organisations will be awarded as champions:
- First Place: £300 prize and an invitation for your practice representative and guests to attend an award ceremony.
- Second Place: £250 prize
- Third Place: £200 prize
Champion award winning practices will be awarded plaques, certificates, and badges for their teams – tangible symbols of your achievement, proudly displaying your team’s success.
As a champion, your practice will be a role model, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
A representative from champion practices or organisations will be invited to share experiences and learnings from the project through podcasts and interviews. The practice or organisation may also be invited to take part in further promotional opportunities, such as presenting at conferences and publishing their findings in a journal such as Veterinary Evidence.
Highly commended award
The highly commended award is a prestigious recognition for practices or organisations that have demonstrated exceptional progress in QI. This award celebrates teams that are dedicated to driving continuous improvement in veterinary care. This award highlights the collective efforts of your team and serves as an encouragement to continue your journey towards achieving even greater milestones.
As a highly commended award winner, your practice or organisation will be highlighted as a leader in QI, inspiring others in the veterinary community.
A certificate for your practice and badges for your team will be awarded, providing tangible recognition of your achievements.
One to watch award
The one to watch award is a special recognition for practices or organisations that are on the path to excellence in QI. This Award acknowledges your practice’s promising efforts and dedication to improvement, and encourages you to continue your journey towards completing a full audit cycle. Being named One to Watch highlights your practice as an up-and-coming leader in the veterinary profession.
As a one to watch award winner, your practice or organisation will be showcased as a rising star in the veterinary community, inspiring others to follow your example.
A certificate will be awarded for your practice or organisation, providing tangible recognition of your achievements.
