Welsh Branch Senior Vice President Collin Willson wins RCVS Impact Award

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has long been proud of all its vets and the vital work they do. The challenge has been that this work protecting public health, animal health and welfare, and underpinning international trade often goes unnoticed by the public and frequently by the wider veterinary profession. Our colleagues in the clinical veterinary world hold the public imagination much more and yet, without undermining clinical practice, the profession also offers many other interesting opportunities and career paths.

Imagine then, our delight when Collin Willson, who is the FSA Animal Welfare Veterinary Lead, not only won the RCVS Impact Award, but was nominated by BVA President Malcolm Morley. Collin has a lifetime of achievements which deserve nominations in their own right, but the ‘catapult’ for this particular award is his vital work on welfare at slaughter, especially his work with the Halal meat industry. The ongoing impact of his work will positively affect millions of animals… and knowing Collin, he will just shrug and continue making a difference in his own humble way. 

Collin reflects on the award

"On the 24 April I received an email from the RCVS and as many vets would, wondered what it was about. It was a letter from the RCVS President at the time, Melissa Donald saying:

"I am delighted to inform you that you were recently nominated for the RCVS Impact Award, and that the Council of the RCVS, at its meeting on Thursday 16 March 2023, unanimously agreed to bestow this award upon you."

"At this time it was embargoed so apologies to the many people that I met between then and 28 April when the press release told all."

"I still find it an honour three months later and remain humbled that my professional colleagues considered my work was worthy of an award and am proud to join the many previous recipients of this prestigious award.

"I am very pleased that animal welfare at slaughter has been recognised in the award of this recognition.

"The highlight of the award is the annual RCVS awards ceremony, which this year was held on 7 July at 1 Great George St, London. I was fortunate that my wife and two daughters were able to join me for the day and we enjoyed a day in London at a fantastic venue to receive the award. I am not sure if my wife and daughters found the RCVS awards more exciting, or the fact that they saw the trooping of the colour while the AGM was being held.

"We travelled back home to South Wales with lots of photos and videos and memories of a fantastic day out that will stay with us forever."

Final words

I had the pleasure of joining Collin’s family at RCVS Day to watch Collin receive his award in person and representing those of us who have chosen a different veterinary career pathway. I have no hesitation in pushing Collin into the limelight to let him know how proud we all are of him.