THE ROYAL KENNEL CLUB LAUNCHES NEW PROCESS FOR APPOINTING RKC MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES
Activities Committee opens applications directly to members as the first step in wider governance reform
Wednesday 1 April: The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) has introduced a new process for appointing member representatives to its sporting Committees, with positions now being opened to direct applications from across the RKC membership. This change forms part of the organisation’s broader governance modernisation programme, which includes refreshed Terms of Reference (TORs) for all RKC Committees.
This initiative aims to increase transparency, broaden participation, and ensure Committees benefit from the full breadth of skills, knowledge and experience within the RKC community. By inviting members to apply directly, rather than relying solely on nominations, the RKC is creating more equitable and accessible opportunities for engagement, while strengthening the connection between its governance structures and its membership.
As the first stage of this rollout, the Activities Committee is now open for applications from all RKC members involved in agility, heelwork to music, obedience, rally or working trials. Previously, individuals wishing to join were required to be nominated, but under the new approach any eligible RKC member can apply directly. Members wishing to understand the remit, expectations and responsibilities of the Activities Committee may request its updated Terms of Reference by emailing activities@royalkennelclub.com.
Members wishing to understand the remit, expectations and responsibilities of the Activities Committee may request its updated Terms of Reference by emailing activities@royalkennelclub.com or to apply should visit https://www.royalkennelclub.com/forms/committee-application-form/. The closing date for applications to the Activities Committee will be the 12 April 2026, with interviews held between 20-24 April 2026.
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Committee Terms of Reference (TORs)
The updated Committee Terms of Reference form part of the wider governance revamp undertaken by the Royal Kennel Club. This work aims to streamline Board delegation, clarify Committee responsibilities, promote diversity of skills and experience, and increase transparency for members. TORs for all Committees have now been drafted and will be made available to RKC members following approval of the publication timeline by the Governance Steering Group on 13 April 2026.
The Royal Kennel Club
The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all dogs. Granted the royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III in 2025, the RKC builds on over 150 years of heritage to champion responsible ownership and ensure every dog leads a healthy, fulfilling life.
As a profit-for-purpose organisation, the Royal Kennel Club reinvests in dog health, research, and education, extending its expertise beyond pedigree breeds to benefit every dog in the UK. It maintains the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, alongside Petlog, one of the UK’s biggest microchip reunification services, and runs the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, the nation’s most extensive dog training programme.
The RKC licenses and supports a wide range of dog activities and shows, including the world-famous Crufts, now evolving into a year-round community celebrating dogs and their owners. Through the Royal Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the organisation funds vital research into canine health and wellbeing, supports breed rescue organisations across the UK, and works with partners such as the British Veterinary Association to run national health screening schemes.
With a mission to promote responsible ownership and celebrate every dog, the Royal Kennel Club continues to evolve, combining heritage with innovation to create a healthier, happier future for dogs and the people who love them.