Becoming a NEWC Member or Associate demonstrates a clear commitment to improving the lives of equines across the UK. You’ll join a respected network of welfare charities, educational organisations, veterinary bodies and welfare-focused groups united by a shared mission.

Membership is open to:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Further or Higher Education establishments

Associate status is open to individuals or organisations that do not meet the above criteria but still have equine welfare as a primary focus.

Both Members and Associates must engage with the NEWC Standards and complete regular accreditation to maintain credibility and transparency.

Benefits of Membership

• Recognition as an accredited organisation committed to equine welfare
• Access to NEWC’s sub-groups, networks and collaborative initiatives
• Support with welfare standards, operational practice and research
• Opportunities to contribute to unified sector responses and policy influence
• Access to shared learning, expertise and resources
• A credible mark of quality recognised across the equine sector

Benefits of Associate Status

• Engagement with NEWC’s welfare-focused networks
• Access to guidance, standards and shared good practice
• Eligibility to contribute to sub-groups by invitation
• Demonstration of your organisation’s commitment to high welfare standards

Organisations may apply for NEWC Membership if they are:

• A registered charity, CIC, or formally constituted FE/HE establishment based in the UK
• Actively keeping equines or having equine welfare as a principal objective
• Able to meet NEWC Standards and complete a full accreditation process

Organisations keeping equines must have their main premises in the UK and undergo:

• An initial accreditation visit
• Re-accreditation every two years (alternating between self-assessment and an assessor-led review)

All Members must comply with:

• All relevant UK legislation
• The NEWC Standards
• Member Regulations and all governing documents

Member fees are on a sliding scale based on gross annual income, and whether the organisation is actively involved in keeping equines.

Current NEWC Articles of Association, Standards, Standards Guidance, and Membership Regulations.

Please contact info@newc.co.uk for more details.

Associate status is available to individuals or organisations that:

• Do not meet the definition of a registered charity, CIC, or FE/HE establishment
• Have a primary focus on equine welfare
• Actively keep equines or have equine welfare as a principal objective
• Can demonstrate compliance with the NEWC Standards
• Complete an initial accreditation where required
• Are approved by the NEWC Board

Associates must comply with:

• All relevant UK animal welfare and operational legislation
• The NEWC Standards
• NEWC Regulations for Associates

Re-accreditation is required every two years (self-assessment alternating with assessor visits for equine keepers).

Associate fees are on a sliding scale based on gross annual income, and whether the organisation is actively involved in keeping equines.

Current NEWC Articles of Association, Standards, Standards Guidance and Associate Regulations.

Please contact info@newc.co.uk for more details.