Following our recent virtual one-day Head Nurse Congress, we caught up with this year’s Chair, Kirsty Jones, to hear her highlights and reflections from the day.
Connection, Learning, and Leadership
As Chair of this year’s Head Nurse Congress, I felt incredibly privileged to bring together veterinary professionals from across the UK for what proved to be a truly engaging and inspiring day of learning, reflection and connection. Delivered virtually, the congress once again demonstrated how accessible and inclusive this format can be, enabling us to reach a wide and diverse audience and create meaningful professional dialogue.
One of the most striking aspects of the day was the level of engagement from delegates. From the outset, I encouraged participants to take part through live Q&A sessions, interactive polls and discussion, and they certainly embraced this opportunity. The volume of questions submitted throughout the congress was particularly impressive, reflecting both the relevance of the topics and a genuine enthusiasm to explore ideas more deeply and share experiences from practice.
Exploring the Realities of Modern Veterinary Leadership
The programme covered a breadth of themes that are central to modern veterinary leadership. From building a clear and empowering vision for practice, to managing workplace challenges such as menopause, and exploring wider strategy and team development, each session resonated strongly with our audience. It was clear that many attendees are navigating increasingly complex leadership roles, and the discussions throughout the day reflected this reality.
For me, one of the most impactful elements was the focus on communication and wellbeing. Sessions exploring conflict resolution and imposter syndrome sparked thoughtful reflection, with many delegates engaging openly with these topics. Hosting the congress during Mental Health Awareness Week added even greater relevance, reinforcing the importance of supporting both individual wellbeing and that of our teams within the profession.
We were also fortunate to have such a high calibre of speakers, each bringing a wealth of expertise from clinical practice, education and research. Their ability to balance evidence-informed insight with practical application ensured that delegates not only felt inspired but left with strategies they could take back into their own workplaces.
The Value of Continued Conversation
The interactive structure of the day was a key factor in its success. I particularly valued the dedicated Q&A sessions following each presentation, which allowed meaningful discussion and deeper exploration of key themes. Even where time limited what could be answered live, it was encouraging to see speakers continuing conversations with delegates beyond their sessions, ensuring that learning did not stop when the presentations ended.
There was an incredibly strong sense of community throughout the day. It was particularly encouraging to see delegates so actively connecting with speakers, exhibitors and one another, creating a genuinely supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The level of interaction highlighted just how effective virtual spaces can be in bringing professionals together, reinforcing the value of these opportunities for meaningful networking and shared learning.
Overall, I believe the 2026 Head Nurse Congress had a very positive impact. The energy, openness, and depth of discussion demonstrated a profession that is committed to growth, reflection, and leadership. As Chair, I am proud to have been part of an event that not only supported professional development but also fostered a sense of shared purpose and community.
Looking ahead: The Importance of Events Like This
Looking ahead, I feel events like this are more important than ever. They provide a vital space for learning, discussion and connection, ultimately strengthening our profession and benefiting both our teams and the patients we care for.
Our thanks go to Kirsty for her contribution and for sharing her reflections on what was a successful event. You can find details of our upcoming events in our events section.