Oversight, standards, and accountability
The Charter is governed by an independent Oversight Committee. Our standards are published in full, our committee members are named, and our complaints procedure is open to the public.
Three levels of oversight
Member code of conduct
Every Charter Member commits individually to our published Code of Conduct as a condition of membership.
Member organisation's own procedure
Most concerns are first raised with the member's own organisation, which handles day-to-day conduct and standards.
Oversight Committee appeals
Where a concern isn't resolved at that level, or falls outside it, the independent Oversight Committee reviews and decides.
The Oversight Committee
The Oversight Committee is independent of The Charter's founding organisations and all current member bodies. Its members are appointed for their expertise in animal welfare, behaviour science, consumer protection, and professional regulation – not for their connections to the dog training industry.
Gemma Bowkett LLB PGDip(LP)
Fiona Clarkson RVN
Robin Hargreaves BVSc MRCVS
Rabbi Dr Charles H Middleburgh
Hon David Newall
Pamela Rose Barrister
Dr Motje Wolf
Report a concern
If you have a concern about a Charter Member Organisation's conduct, our complaints procedure is open to all. Concerns are first raised with the organisation itself; the Oversight Committee handles appeals.
Make a complaint →Code of Conduct
All member organisations commit to the following core standards on behalf of their accredited members. The full Code of Conduct is available to download below.
- Require only force-free, positive reinforcement-based methodology
- Prohibit aversive tools including prong collars, choke chains, and e-collars
- Monitor accredited members' ongoing compliance
- Maintain an equity, diversity and inclusion policy
- Recognise the Oversight Committee's authority on appeal
Complaints Procedure
If you believe a Charter Member Organisation has breached our Code of Conduct, you can raise a formal concern. The process is free, confidential, and open to any member of the public.
How to raise a complaint
Concerns should first be raised with the Charter Member Organisation itself, who handle day-to-day conduct matters. If the concern falls outside that Organisation's remit, or isn't resolved, it can be escalated to the Oversight Committee.
Who can raise a complaint
Any member of the public – including clients, fellow professionals, and members of the public who have witnessed a concern – can raise a complaint about a Charter Member Organisation's conduct.
How to file a complaint
Complete the online concern form, describing what happened and which Charter Member Organisation it relates to. You can also write to the Committee by email. Please include as much detail as possible.
What happens after you file
The Committee acknowledges your concern and conducts an initial review to determine whether it falls within its remit before opening a full investigation.
Investigation and outcomes
If within remit, the Committee investigates and notifies both parties of the outcome. Possible sanctions range, for individual professionals, from further education through probation to exclusion from The Charter; for member organisations, from a private advisory notice to temporary removal as a signatory.
Appeals and confidentiality
The process is handled confidentially throughout. Where a decision is disputed, either party may request that the Committee reviews its findings.
Transparency documents
Our governing documents are published in full.