Forgive the long post, I rarely talk publicly about what I get up to with my voluntary ‘hat’ on in the animal behaviour and training sector. So, I’m taking this opportunity to reflect on some of the work and to publicly thank the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).
The ABTC is the only UK charity dedicated to promoting animal welfare in training and behaviour therapy. It sets and maintains standards for those working in the field, ensuring that practice prioritises animal wellbeing.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Trustee on the ABTC Board for three challenging and rewarding years. Now, as my tenure ends this week, I’m stepping down (for a much-needed breather).
When I joined in 2022, the Council’s values were strong, yet its voice wasn’t reaching far enough. The question “Why aren’t they doing more?” was common, and the organisation was often targeted by those promoting outdated, aversive methods. It was clear we needed to be braver, more consistent, and much more visible.
My focus became helping the ABTC show up publicly with clarity, credibility, and confidence, and injecting a little more personality, too!
There have been many highlights along the way. Some of the work I’ve been proud to lead and support during my time as Trustee includes:
- Growing ABTC’s social media presence, launching new platforms, revitalising dormant ones, and creating a wide range of digital content to build reach and engagement. This included connecting directly with practitioners to celebrate their wins, share stories, and grow a community of promoters.
- Expanding the Council’s digital footprint, with organic campaigns reaching over a million people. This also included issuing public statements that challenged malpractice and provided a calm, informed voice when it was needed most.
- Developing new initiatives like the Lunch & Learn series to make high-quality, science-led CPD more accessible. We also launched British Sign Language resources, helping practitioners and clients benefit from live BSL support during training or events – a UK first in our sector.
- Chairing and contributing to various committees and working groups, helping turn strategy into action. This included doubling the size of our brilliant DEI group and driving initiatives with more meaningful outcomes.
- Representing ABTC on podcasts, career panels and education events, and writing to the press, publications and government bodies to lobby for ethical, humane training advice to be more consistently represented.
- Launching ABTC’s first merchandise line and online shop, supporting fundraising and awareness in a fresh way.
- Leading on crisis communications, helping the Council deliver timely, measured responses to sector issues and public scrutiny.
- Championing and securing Council approval for the shift from the Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE|) model, a defining, values-led move for the organisation.
- Supporting assessments, bringing in new organisations and a new Patron, lobbying for future ones (yes, even Larry the Downing Street cat – let’s see…), and amplifying practitioner voices and speaker diversity.
Like many voluntary roles, this one has required stamina. At times, it’s been knackering – balancing a full-time behaviour and training job, lecturing, family life, and the cognitive chaos that comes with perimenopause! Being a Trustee carries pressure, particularly in our sector, where criticism can be swift and vocal. That makes the commitment shown by fellow Trustees all the more impressive; this is work that often goes unseen, but it matters.
(And if you’ve made it this far, well done and thank you for sticking with it.)
What I’m most proud of is the shift in tone. ABTC now has a stronger public identity, a more confident voice, and a growing community of professionals and students who proudly stand for humane, regulated, evidence-led practice.
- To the new Trustees – welcome. You will be challenged, and that is where growth happens.
- To my fellow Trustees – thank you for your support, trust, and friendship. It has been a real privilege working alongside you.
I will continue cheering from the side-lines and remain proud to have been part of this chapter in ABTC’s evolution.
And finally, at the ABTC Annual General Meeting on 9th July, it was formally announced that my fellow Trustee Chris Laurence and I have been honoured for our “outstanding contribution” to the charity, and will join a very small, ‘exclusive’ group with the title of Honorary Individual Member – recognition rarely given. I’m truly grateful for that; it means a lot.
Thank you.
P.S.: You can help support the ABTC’s charitable aims by donating to help them continue their superb efforts, and/or purchasing some fab merch. Check out the ABTC’s website at www.abtc.org.uk
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