Following his recent election as Chairman of the Royal Kennel Club (RKC), Gavin Robertson has shared his first message, setting out his vision for the future of the organisation and the priorities he believes will help strengthen our community for generations to come.
A Member of the RKC for more than 20 years, Gavin brings a wealth of experience from across the dog world, having served on clubs, committees and the RKC Board. Alongside his wife, Sara, he has enjoyed significant success as an exhibitor and breeder, including Best in Show wins at both Crufts and Westminster in the USA. Now, as Chairman, he is committed to building on the strong foundations laid by his predecessors while ensuring the RKC continues to champion dogs, members and the sport we all love.
In his first letter, Gavin reflects on the importance of sportsmanship, supporting the next generation of dog enthusiasts, strengthening governance and maintaining an unwavering focus on canine health. He also pays tribute to the volunteers, clubs and Members whose dedication underpins every aspect of the RKC’s work.
Gavin said: “I’ve been an RKC Member for 22 years. I’ve worn various hats over the years on clubs and committees before joining the RKC Board in 2024. So, I’ve sat in a number of the seats within this organisation at one point or another. From Beagles as a child, then Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens my parents and I discovered at Crufts in the 1980s, to the success my wife Sara and I have had with our own dogs over the years as exhibitors and breeders, culminating in winning Best in Show at Crufts and Westminster along the journey, this community has been a huge part of my and my family’s life. It has given us a lifetime of amazing moments and I am keen to give my energy and experience to this role.
“Before I say anything about what’s next, I want to properly mark what’s already been done. Ian Seath gave the RKC a huge amount, not just as Chairman but the seven years before it. I’m starting from solid ground with the existing authoritative health agenda, the pledge on culture and conduct, and, with Chief Executive Jannine Edgar, real progress towards financial stability, including a clear route back to breakeven and money to reinvest in dogs and grassroots activity. Former Vice Chair Paul Eardley’s contribution on governance has been noteworthy, very much alongside Ian, and I’m glad he’s staying on to see it through.
“As a Board member, I had my own say, like everyone else does, in shaping the organisation’s plan, and I’ll keep having it as we build on that work with Jannine, the Executive team and colleagues.”
Gavin’s message included his areas of focus with the Board and as the new Chairman.
On sportsmanship, Gavin said:
“If we want to continue with our sport, then we have to really start working together. It starts with all of us: sportsmanship, respect, integrity, fairness and fun. The pledge discussed at last year’s Special General Meeting and this year’s Annual General Meeting already sets the tone. I want to build on it, not replace it. This is our hobby, our social life, our excuse to see the same faces every weekend. We owe each other respect for that, and there needs to be action when it’s missing.”
Turning to the future of dogs, with reference to the next generation and activities, Gavin continued:
“These two belong together. Getting newcomers of every age excited, whether that’s obedience, agility, field trials, showing… or something undiscovered, is how this community survives the next fifty years, not just the next five. That means supporting the grassroots properly: local shows, breed club committees, weekly training classes, what most of you are already doing. And it also means working just as hard on engaging those who aren’t Members yet as we do on those who are.”
Gavin also highlighted governance and his commitment to the RKC’s health agenda:
“I have been listening, and change has to happen. The work that Paul, the Liaison Council and the committees have already put in means we’ve got solid ground to build on. That includes the new Membership model on the table now. Paul staying on will help continue driving all this through.
“Our focus on canine health must remain unwavering. I am committed to improving canine health through the significant programmes the RKC has in place and planned for in the future. It is vital that we bring everyone in our community and sport with us on this journey, demonstrating that the health and wellbeing of our dogs is at the heart of everything we do.”
Gavin welcomed the appointment of Yvonne Rawley MBE, Vice Chair, noting that, “She is the first woman to hold that role in our history. She’s been part of the pedigree world since 1977, and I’m glad to have her judgement alongside mine as we look ahead.”
Looking ahead, Gavin acknowledges the community: “None of what the RKC does, from the smallest local show to the huge crowds at Crufts, happens without you, the volunteers on a weekend morning, the committee members keeping breed clubs afloat, the stewards and judges and instructors giving up their free time. I’ve done that work myself, so I don’t take it lightly, and I’m looking forward to doing more of it alongside you.
“My door’s open if you’ve got something to say, by email or by finding me at a show. And thank you for the many kind congratulations I’ve already had. Every one of those messages has meant a lot.
“Thank you, too, to the Board, for putting their faith in me. I don’t plan on wasting it.
“Right then. Let’s get on with it!”