How are the awards judged?

The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards are judged by an impartial and independent panel of
key industry representatives.

The judging panel put their own industry knowledge and experience to the test as they discuss and agree who
the finalists and winners in each category should be. Petplan has no involvement in the judging process.

How the finalists and winners are selected

From the thousands of nominations received, the judges have a very difficult task to narrow down the shortlist to just three finalists in each category. The finalists are all invited to attend the awards luncheon where the winners are announced.

The judges specifically look for clear examples of:

  • Exceptional levels of care and compassion
  • Outstanding knowledge, expertise and communication
  • Those that go above and beyond their duties to improve animal welfare

The role of selecting the finalists and winners is an extremely tough job, and the judging panel put their own industry knowledge and experience to the test as they discuss and agree who the finalists and winners in each category should be. Petplan has no involvement in the judging process.

Meet the judges

Here are the judges for the 2026 awards, all of whom are involved with judging all categories.

Mike Elliott
ADCH Chair of Governance Committee

David Bowles
ADCH Chair of Legislative Committee

Emma Harrison
ADCH Trustee

Linda Cantle
ADCH Trustee

Giles Webber
ADCH Chair

Sarah Harper
ADCH Standards and Welfare Committee Member

Caroline Johnson
ADCH Vice Chair & Chair of Member Engagement Committee

Watch us See us