The Kennel Club has announced a change to its liaison council structure and application process as part of its ongoing commitment to improve representation across canine activities, and it has been agreed that there will be seven dedicated liaison councils moving forward. Each council will represent one of the following activities: Dog Showing, Agility, Obedience, Field Trials, Working Trials, Heelwork to Music, and Rally. Each council will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their respective area.
In a significant development, The Kennel Club will be transitioning from a nomination-based process to an application-based process for the selection of Liaison Council representatives (with the exception of Field Trials that will remain on a club nomination system). This shift is designed to improve transparency, promote inclusivity, and allow for the appointment of individuals based on relevant skills, experience, and expertise. We believe this approach will result in stronger, more effective representation across our activities.
The Kennel Club will be dissolving the Breed Liaison Council. Additionally, the current Show Liaison Council will be dissolved, with a new Dog Show Liaison Council established later this year.
Breed-related issues that were previously managed through the Council will be handled through more direct and efficient channels. Where appropriate, Kennel Club teams can now respond to queries and resolve issues more quickly by phone or email, providing faster outcomes and a better service for the community.
The Kennel Club is also continuing to look at ways to understand the experiences of dog breeders across our community and we hope to be able to share further updates on this shortly. Breeders are welcome to contact us via hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk or Breeder.Development@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club said, “The decision to evolve our structure is to reduce overlap and ensure the right voices can represent each activity."
"The restructure and new application process are just the first steps. While we pilot the new approach, we will keep working on improving how we do things and supporting our representatives so they can connect and communicate well with their communities."
“We believe this new structure will result in more responsive, informed, and effective governance, helping us support the continued growth and success of dog activities.”
The Kennel Club will begin the process with a pilot program for heelwork to music which will help test and refine the application processes. Those involved in the HTM activity will be approached directly and it is hoped that this pilot will provide valuable insights before a full-scale rollout to other areas later in the year.
For further information please contact activities@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Further information
Breed related issues previously managed through Council
- For matters related to breed showing, the Dog Showing Liaison Council that will replace the Show Liaison Council is where questions and concerns can be submitted via the representatives . Additionally, the newly established Regional Support Network provides a dedicated contact point for breed clubs needing assistance with club-related matters.
- For any concerns relating to health and welfare including relating to health and welfare of show dogs we recommend emailing health@thekennelclub.org.uk and either the Breed Standards and Conformation Group or the Health Advisory Group will take ownership of the issue. A member of the health team will be in touch to provide updates from the groups following consideration. The easiest way to share your thoughts or ask questions about breed health is to contact your Breed Health Co-ordinator (BHC). They can often help you directly. To find your BHC, just go to the Breed A–Z, select your breed, and click on the “More about health” section.
- The Kennel Club is also continuing to look at ways to understand the experiences of dog breeders across our community and we hope to be able to share further updates on this shortly. Breeders are welcome to contact us via hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk or Breeder.Development@thekennelclub.org.uk.