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 2025 awards, all of whom are involved with judging all categories.

Caroline Johnson
Independent (Formerly Oak Tree)
Vice Chair / Chair of Membership Engagement Committee

Chris Bray
Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter
Trustee

David Bowles
RSPCA
Chair of Legislative Committee

Marina Fiddler
MADRA
Trustee

Mike Elliott
Cats Protection
Chair of Governance Committee

Mike Webb
Battersea
Secretary

Linda Cantle
Woodgreen
Chair of Standards and Welfare Membership Sub Committee

Adam Clowes
Dogs Trust
Trustee

Yvonne Goddard
Independent (Trustee at RSPCA Isle of Wight)
Treasurer

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