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New deputy chief veterinary officers appointed
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss welcomed two new deputy CVOs.
Ele Brown and Jorge Martin-Almagro appointed as new deputy CVOs.

Two new deputy chief veterinary officers (CVOs) have been appointed to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Ele Brown has been chosen as deputy CVO for national, domestic and exotic diseases, while Jorge Martin-Almagro will serve as deputy CVO for international and trade affairs on an interim basis pending formal recruitment of the role.

Ele Brown is an experienced veterinary surgeon, who has a background in infectious disease control. Dr Brown worked in mixed practice in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire before joining the Government Veterinary Service, and also serves as deputy director for the bovine TB programme.

Jorge Martin-Almagro is also an experienced veterinary surgeon, and has worked in teams across Defra Group and the Food Standards Agency. He is also interim deputy director for global animal health and trade.

Dr Martin-Almagro has led multidisciplinary teams, worked in International Trade Policy Affairs and worked as a frontline veterinary surgeon involving official controls from farm to fork.

The deputy CVOs were welcomed by chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss, who said: “I am delighted to be working with Ele and Jorge. I am confident that they will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to me and others on veterinary and technical issues.

“Their appointments come at what is a very important time for Defra and the UK Government, as we manage our biggest outbreak of avian influenza and develop further market access opportunities. They will both be a great asset to me providing veterinary senior leadership team in the Defra group.”

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.