Friendly face of RCVS receives royal award

RCVS Head receptionist, Thelma Rees, has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List and made a Member of (the order of) the British Empire (MBE).

Thelma, pictured, who receives the award for Services to the Veterinary Profession, initially joined the College in 1995 following a previous career in the fashion industry. Thelma is the first point of contact for most telephone callers and visitors to the College and has gained a well-deserved reputation as the friendly customer-focused "face of the College".

“I feel my main role is to be as helpful and welcoming to people as possible,” she says. “Working with veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and the public brings plenty of variety. I was totally amazed to get the letter from the Prime Minister’s office and feel deeply honoured to receive this award.”