LONDON, 20 May 2026: The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) has received the report of the Judges Education Programme (JEP) Review Panel.
The Review Panel was commissioned by the Board to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the JEP ensuring it continues to meet its objectives of improving judging standards, supporting breed education, and preparing competent, capable and confident judges for the future. The panel was appointed following an open call for volunteers based on an anonymised and independently scored selection process.
The Review Panel examined the requirements and eligibility for judging dog shows at all levels; and has now submitted its findings and improvement recommendations to the RKC Board and Judges Committee.
The RKC extends its thanks to the JEP Review Chair David Craig and the members of the Review Panel; and all stakeholders who engaged in the process and shared their feedback, ideas and suggestions.
As previously communicated and agreed, the JEP Review report has been published in full by David Craig in his capacity as Chair of the Review Panel.
The RKC Board and Judges Committee will now take time to consider the extensive and detailed report; and assess the feasibility of adopting its recommendations. Charlotte McNamara, Chief Canine Wellbeing and Engagement Officer and Barry Jones, Judges Education Manager, will support the Board and Judges Committee with this task.
Alongside publication of the report, the RKC will begin further communication and engagement with the pedigree dog and dog shows community to explain the next steps; and to continue to listen to stakeholders.
A further update, including details of the recommendations being adopted and indicative timelines for implementation, will be provided during Summer 2026.
Read the full report here.
ENDS
20 May 2026
Notes to editors
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 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.