The Royal Kennel Club set out its future direction and ongoing organisational transformation at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at Friends House in London. The meeting marked the first AGM since the organisation began using its Royal prefix.
Making his inaugural address at an AGM as Chairman of the Royal Kennel Club, Ian Seath opened the proceedings, thanking members for attending in person and for participating in a pre-AGM online Q&A session held earlier in the month.
In his speech, Ian reflected on the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting the relationship between people and dogs, noting that this remains central to the Royal Kennel Club’s purpose. He also spoke about his three priorities during his year as Chairman: communication improvements, financial turnround and governance reforms.
He called on members to continue working collaboratively, highlighting the importance of respect, sportsmanship, and constructive engagement across the organisation. He referenced the Sportsmanship Pledge, introduced in November 2025 at the SGM, as part of ongoing efforts to promote positive conduct within the community.
Ian also emphasised the need for the organisation to embrace change in order to ensure long-term sustainability, while maintaining a shared focus on dog health, wellbeing, and sporting activities.
He concluded: “If we can focus on our shared love for dogs and work together in their service, I am confident that we can meet any challenge ahead. By embracing change, supporting one another, and upholding the values of sportsmanship and respect, we can build a strong and sustainable future for the Royal Kennel Club and the wider canine community.”
Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, Jannine Edgar, provided an overview of progress across the organisation over the past year, including the publication of the 2025 Annual Report, the appointment of Charlotte McNamara as Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement Officer, and the formal introduction of the Royal Kennel Club identity following the granting of the Royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III.
She highlighted the rollout of the “At Their Service” campaign supporting the new identity, alongside improvements to the Petlog microchipping reunification service, which have contributed to increased reunifications of lost dogs with their owners.
Looking ahead, Jannine outlined priorities around broadening engagement with dog owners through initiatives such as Crufts Club, which has the potential to reach 75% of the dog-owning British public that currently do not engage with RKC. The service, which launched in 2026, aims to encourage more people to get involved at a grassroots level, whether that’s by generating interest in pedigree dogs, accelerating participation in activities, or increasing attendance at year-round events.
Jannine also highlighted the continued growth across canine activities, including a 52% increase in applications to the Young Royal Kennel Club Team GB agility programme and continued expansion across competitive disciplines.
Jannine said the organisation’s focus remains on pedigree dogs, strengthening services and engagement while supporting dog health, wellbeing, and participation at all levels.
Reflecting on the AGM, Jannine said: “The past year has demonstrated the progress we can make when we combine our heritage and expertise with a willingness to evolve. From improving services for dog owners and breeders to engaging new audiences through initiatives such as Crufts Club, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen and grow our community.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on building a sustainable future that enables us to continue supporting dog health, wellbeing, and canine activities at every level. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and grateful to our members for their ongoing support and advocacy.”
The AGM also spotlighted the success of Crufts, with Crufts Chairman, Tom Mather, providing an overview of the 2026 event, which attracted more than 19,000 entries and over 155,000 visitors. Tom also celebrated the success of the introduction of Hall 8 which “provided a valuable new dimension to the show [...] serving as the home of the Young Royal Kennel Club.” He went on to thank all the contributors who make Crufts happen from the sponsors to the volunteers, adding “I salute all the exhibitors and their marvellous dogs.”
Voting sessions
Agenda items
Members were asked to vote on several agenda items, which included;
- An amendment to the dress code in Clarges Street
- Appointment of Auditors
- Election of Vice-Presidents, Honorary Life Members and Directors
All the proposals were carried.
Board of Directors
At the AGM, the following eight members were elected to the Board of Directors.
The following were elected for a three-year term:
Mr Paul Eardley
Mr Paul Harding
Mr Hector Heathcote
Mr Mark James
Mr Graham Partridge
Mr Stuart Payne
Mrs Maureen Reynolds
Mrs Alison Scutcher
Honorary Life Members
Other business conducted at the AGM included the election of five Honorary Life Members of the Royal Kennel Club as follows:
Mr Thomas Johnston
Lady Watson of Richmond
Mr William Moores
Mrs Heather Morss
Mr Albert Wight
Vice Presidents
The following three Vice Presidents of the Royal Kennel Club were re-elected:
Professor Steve Dean BVetMed MRCVS DVR
The Lord Kirkham CVO
Sir John Spurling KCVO OBE
Tony Allcock OBE was also elected as Vice-President.
Ian Seath closed the AGM by thanking the attendees for their participation in the discussion and invited members back to Clarges Street for afternoon tea.
The full report of the AGM will be included in the September issue of Royal Kennel Club Journal which will be available on the Royal Kennel Club website.