News6 July 2026
The 2027 RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement awards are now open for applications with new award categories covering more quality improvement (QI) techniques than before. While the awards previously focused on clinical audit, the entry criteria have been expanded to include other approaches to QI.
The awards, run by veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge, celebrate the creativity, courage and dedication of veterinary teams that improve their everyday practice through quality improvement (QI).
What awards are available?
The awards categories have been refreshed for 2027 to provide greater recognition for different areas of QI and to encourage applications from across the veterinary team.
The categories you can apply for are as follows:
- Improving patient outcomes: open to projects that have improved the safety, health and welfare or quality of life of veterinary patients.
- Improving veterinary teamwork: open to initiatives that have strengthened communication, collaboration, psychological safety, leadership or workplace culture within veterinary teams.
- Improving service delivery: open to projects that have enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, reliability or overall experience of veterinary services to those that use them.
- Improving antimicrobial stewardship: open to practical examples where teams are improving antimicrobial stewardship using recognised quality improvement methods.
Who can apply?
Projects involving any species can be submitted by any member of the veterinary practice team, across a diverse range of settings including first opinion, referral and peripatetic services, higher education facilities and both clinic based and ambulatory practice.
These awards celebrate outstanding quality improvement projects that are delivered by veterinary teams who are engaged in shared learning and meaningful change.
A successful application will present a well-designed project delivered through collaborative practice, demonstrating effective use of QI methods and data, meaningful and measured impact, and thoughtful reflection.
Why apply?
Successful applicants in each category will receive one of three awards, marking them out as one of the very best practitioners of QI in the veterinary profession.
There are three levels of awards, which are as follows:
- Champion – the pinnacle of recognition in the RCVS Knowledge Awards. Champions will be role models, inspiring others to excellence.
- Second and third place – a prestigious recognition for practices and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional QI.
- Commended – a special recognition for practices that are on the path to excellence. Commended teams will be recognised as rising stars in veterinary QI.
Julie Gibson, quality improvement clinical lead at RCVS Knowledge, said: “For me, the awards have always recognised the excellence of locally led projects and provided a platform to showcase the very best. In that respect, this year is no different. However, to better reflect the wide range of quality improvement projects, we’ve restructured our award categories.
“The heart of the awards remains; a belief that veterinary care is safer, kinder and more effective for animals, the people who care for them and the environment when those delivering it are empowered to work collaboratively on improvements. We very much look forward to receiving your team’s entry!”
We announced the winners of our 2026 awards last month. You can find out more about the winners here.
You can apply for the RCVS Knowledge Awards Quality Improvement Awards here.