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Hannah Frances Welsman
RVN
Candidate 2 of 3
Proposers: Courtney Rae Edwards, Siobhan Eagles
Contact details
T 01873 852391
Candidate biography
I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse with over 26 years of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and team development. As a Clinical Support Manager, I oversee teams across multiple branches, focusing on high standards of care, professional growth, and fostering a culture of collaboration and learning.
I have mentored student nurses and colleagues, enhancing my understanding of quality improvement, mental health, and professional development. I continue to expand my skills through further education, including a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.
As an Officer in the Army Cadet Force (ACF) youth organisation, I’ve strengthened my leadership, team management, and safeguarding skills, all of which I bring to my advocacy for the profession’s growth and well-being.
Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management - 12/2023
Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Wilderness Therapeutic Approaches - 11/2023
Level 3 Award in Education and Training - 11/2022
Mountain Leader Award - 05/2022
Advanced Diploma in Animal Training and Behavior COAPE - 2006
Qualified Veterinary Nurse - 1998
Candidate statement
Why do you want to stand to be a member of VN Council?
I want to help create a profession where every veterinary nurse feels supported and equipped to thrive. My experiences as a newly promoted Head Nurse, where leadership training was neither provided nor prioritized, have driven me to advocate for better development opportunities for others.
The ongoing CMA review and the proposed review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act present both challenges and opportunities for veterinary professionals. These changes could reshape our profession, and I believe it is essential to ensure that veterinary nurses have a strong voice in shaping the future. At the same time, we must address the impact these reviews may have on mental health, job satisfaction, and team dynamics.
Now, as a Clinical Support Manager, I’ve seen how mentoring, leadership training, and a focus on well-being can transform teams. On VN Council, I aim to champion initiatives that prioritize mental health, support professional development, and empower veterinary nurses to adapt to and thrive in a changing profession.
What do you think you can bring to VN Council?
As a leader; I oversee diverse teams, guiding them to deliver exceptional care, grow professionally, and thrive within a positive workplace culture. This experience, combined with my veterinary nursing background, enables me to provide practical solutions to the challenges we face.
Through mentoring and my role in the ACF, I’ve developed leadership, safeguarding, and change management skills. These have allowed me to represent veterinary nurses effectively and support meaningful progress in the profession.
What relevant experience do you have?
I bring a wealth of experience from over two decades in veterinary practice and leadership roles. As a Clinical Support Manager, I focus on developing cohesive teams, maintaining high clinical standards, and driving quality improvement across branches.
I hold a teaching qualification and have extensive experience tailoring training to help individuals reach their full potential. My qualification in wilderness therapeutic approaches, combined with mental health training and coaching, equips me to support resilience and well-being in professional settings.
The ACF has been instrumental in developing my ability to engage and influence key stakeholders, build trust, and deliver results under challenging circumstances. This experience has also strengthened my strategic planning and leadership skills, allowing me to work collaboratively and effectively in complex environments.
As a Mountain Leader, I’ve learned how to inspire individuals to go beyond their perceived limits, a quality I bring to every leadership and mentoring role. These diverse experiences enable me to advocate effectively for veterinary nurses and help the profession navigate challenges with confidence and innovation.
Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your candidacy?
I am passionate about building a future where veterinary nurses feel supported, valued, and inspired. Together, we can build a future where veterinary nurses thrive and the true value of our profession is fully realized.