The Kennel Club is introducing an updated approach to how Liaison Councils operate across all Kennel Club licensed dog activities, including Agility, Obedience, Working Trials, Rally, and Heelwork to Music. The improvements are designed to make the process faster, more flexible, and more accessible to grassroots participants, encouraging greater engagement and representation from the wider community.
Where previously, proposals could only be submitted in advance of scheduled Liaison Council meetings, under the new system participants can now submit suggestions at any time through a simple online form. Once a submission is received, it will be discussed before being added to a Council agenda. Urgent or straightforward matters may be addressed directly, while more complex proposals will be considered by the Councils and the wider community. This early discussion ensures each idea is clearly understood and properly considered. Council representatives will remain actively involved throughout the year via events, surveys, and social media. Representatives will be kept informed of submission dates and the items submitted, while participants will receive updates online to stay informed about progress and outcomes.
To support this new process, new Liaison Council representatives have been appointed across all five activity areas. These representatives bring a broader mix of experience, ensuring that the voices of both newcomers and seasoned participants are included in shaping the future of their disciplines. The appointments reflect a strong emphasis on practical, day-to-day involvement in activities as well as wider expertise, promoting a balanced and inclusive approach to decision-making.
Another key change is the removal of regional boundaries for Council representatives. This means participants are no longer limited to engaging with representatives from a specific club or geographical area. Anyone can now contact any Council representative directly, making it easier to offer feedback, raise concerns or suggest improvements, regardless of location. This increased flexibility is designed to strengthen connections between representatives and the wider community, and to foster broader collaboration across all activities.
Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club said: “These changes are a direct response following extensive feedback from participants, and will aim to speed up decision-making, improve transparency, encourage wider participation and ultimately reflect how people engage with their activities today.
“Liaison Councils are only as strong as the voices they represent, and, by making the process more agile and responsive, we want participants of all levels feel empowered to play an active role in shaping the future of our activities."
Participants can now submit proposals or ideas via the online form: thekennelclub.org.uk/forms/liaison-council-agenda-item/. Proposals should clearly outline the suggested change and how it would benefit the activity. All submissions will be reviewed by The Kennel Club and relevant representatives and, if appropriate, shared with the wider community for discussion ahead of formal meetings.
The representatives for each Liaison Council, and links to further details, can be found below.
Agility Liaison Council
Aly Gilchrist, Connor Harley, Debra Tedds, Jackie Gardner, Jo Bale, Jonathan Hallam, Nic Jones, Rebecca Sargent, Ruhina Miller, Sarah McConnell, Toni Davis, Tracy White
Obedience Liaison Council
Annette Boulter, Clare Williams, Dawn Cox, John Higgins, Kathy Russell, Lesley Holmes, Lou Holmes, Michael McCartney, Sheilagh Hyde
Heelwork to Music Liaison Council
Caroline Knight, Dawn Heaton, Emma Higgins, Laura Reynolds, Lucy Heath, Richard Moss, Emma Stock
Rally Liaison Council
Adrian Dornford-Smith, Amy Jackson, Kathleen Daly, Rachel Bradley, Sally Sanford, Stuart Lindsey, Tanya Butler
Working Trials Liaison Council
Allyson Tohme, Charlie Taylor, Christine Davis, Diane Ling, Les Theobald, Penelope Bann, Jacquie Hall
All newly appointed representatives will officially begin their terms in January 2026.
Updates regarding changes to the Dog Showing and Field Trials Liaison Councils are currently in development and will be announced in due course.