Highlights from ADCH’s Virtual AGM 2026
The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually on 14 July 2026, bringing together member organisations from across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. The online event provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year, review the Association’s annual accounts and share the results of the Board elections.
Chair Giles Webber opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and highlighting key achievements from 2025. He celebrated another successful year for the ADCH community, with 168 member organisations across eight jurisdictions, representing more than 55,000 staff, volunteers and fosterers. Together, members cared for over 116,000 dogs and cats during the year, demonstrating the remarkable impact of the rescue and rehoming sector.
Giles also reflected on another record-breaking year of member engagement. The 2025 ADCH Conference welcomed more than 570 delegates from over 120 organisations as members came together to celebrate ADCH’s 40th anniversary. Alongside the conference, ADCH delivered an extensive programme of support, including an in-person Open Meeting, specialist webinars, virtual meetings and wellbeing sessions. He also highlighted the successful launch of Regional Groups, continued progress with assessments and the ongoing review of the ADCH Minimum Standards, as well as developments in governance, financial resilience and long-term planning. Giles concluded by thanking members, Trustees, staff and volunteers for their continued commitment and support.
Executive Director Rebecca Cooper then shared updates on ADCH’s work during 2026. She highlighted the continued delivery of webinars, workshops, forums and member events, and announced that this year’s Member Open Meeting will take place in Rotherham, hosted by Rain Rescue. Rebecca also celebrated the success of the 2026 Conference, which welcomed over 600 delegates, and thanked everyone who attended, spoke, exhibited, sponsored or volunteered.
Rebecca spoke about ADCH’s ongoing investment in volunteers, supported by the Pets Foundation, with continued development of Regional Groups, Volunteer Advisors, Peer Mentors and training opportunities for volunteer assessors. She also highlighted new member benefits, progress towards developing an ADCH Almanac using Annual Return data, and a major IT integration project that will improve systems and enhance member services in the years ahead. She closed by thanking members for their continued engagement and reaffirming ADCH’s commitment to providing practical, relevant support while investing in the Association’s future.
As Honorary Treasurer Peter Hepburn was unable to attend the meeting, members received a recorded update on the Association’s annual accounts for 2025. Peter thanked his predecessor, Yvonne Goddard, for her dedicated service and support during the handover, and reflected on another positive year for ADCH. He highlighted the Association’s continued financial stability, enabling further investment in member support, projects and future developments. He also outlined plans to invest in improved internal systems and technology to strengthen efficiency and enhance services for members. Peter concluded by thanking ADCH’s members, sponsors, funders, volunteers, Trustees and staff for their continued commitment and support.
Honorary Secretary Mike Webb then announced the results of the 2026 Board elections. Linda Cantle was re-elected as an ADCH Trustee, continuing her valued contribution to the organisation. ADCH also welcomed two new Trustees: Kate Lee, Founder and Trustee of Senior Staffy Club Dog Rescue, and Vanessa Waddon, Founder and Chief Executive of Hope Rescue. Both bring extensive experience in rescue leadership, governance and animal welfare, and will strengthen the Board with their knowledge and expertise. Thanks were also extended to the remaining Trustee candidates who stood for election, recognising their willingness to contribute to ADCH’s governance.
Special recognition was given to outgoing Trustees Charlotte Fielder and Mike Elliott, who concluded their terms this summer. Charlotte was thanked for her enthusiasm, positivity and commitment during her three years on the Board, while Mike was recognised for seven years of dedicated service, including three years as Chair of the Governance Committee, where he played a significant role in strengthening ADCH’s governance and organisational development.
The meeting also welcomed Beth Verrechia, who has been appointed Chair of the Governance Committee and co-opted onto the Board to ensure continuity in this important role. Members also congratulated Trustee David Bowles on being awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to animal welfare, recognising his outstanding contribution to the sector.
Following the formal business of the AGM, members attended a thought-provoking panel discussion titled What Role Should AI Play in Animal Rescue? Delivered by George Bloor (Dogs Trust), David Bowles (RSPCA) and Louis Cooper-Rettie (Woodgreen), the session explored the opportunities, challenges and practical applications of artificial intelligence within the rescue and rehoming sector, and considered how innovation can help improve outcomes for animals while supporting the people who care for them.
The event also featured updates from ADCH’s four working committees, alongside presentations from members and sponsors, providing valuable opportunities to share knowledge, celebrate progress and continue strengthening collaboration across the sector.
