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New leadership to guide charity as demand for assistance dogs continues to grow

Wednesday 19 November, 2025

Canine Partners appoints new Chair and Trustees as charity marks 35 years of transforming lives

Canine Partners, the UK charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with specially trained assistance dogs, has appointed a new Chair, Vice Chair, and four Trustees as it celebrates 35 years of life-changing impact.

Richard Brooke has been appointed Chair of the Trustee Board, with Nick Sydenham taking on the role of Vice Chair. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Richard brings extensive leadership and management experience to the Board. Before retiring Nick worked as an international Business Continuity and Crisis Management consultant.

Rachel Hucknall, Jessica Rendle, Vicki Cloney, and Tom Shore have also been appointed to the board, bringing valuable expertise in healthcare, animal welfare, integrated care, and digital strategy. Their appointment brings the total number of Board members to 14, who together will play a vital role in guiding the charity through its next phase of growth and innovation.

“Our new Chairs and Trustees add to the incredible wealth of experience on the Board at an important time for Canine Partners,” said Lucy Eldred, CEO of Canine Partners. “With demand for our assistance dogs growing and more than 90 people currently waiting for a canine partner, their support will help us expand our reach and ensure more people benefit from these life-changing partnerships. Our incredible dogs help with everyday tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items, or raising the alarm in emergencies, giving greater independence, confidence and companionship to the people they support.”

Richard Brooke said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to work with such a talented Board. Together, we will build on 35 years of incredible achievement and ensure Canine Partners continues to transform lives for decades to come.”

To meet increasing demand, the charity is expanding its breeding programme, recruiting additional volunteers to train and foster puppies, and has started training dogs in the local communities they will be support. To find out more about Canine Partners, visit caninepartners.org.uk



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