Executive
Ed Bracher – Chief Executive
Ed Bracher became Dogs for Good’s Chief Executive in November 2022. Prior to his role at Dogs for Good, Ed was CEO at Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) an organisation which also had a deep understanding of the human-animal bond, albeit in a very different way to here at Dogs for Good. After 17 years at RDA, Ed brings a wealth of skills and experience which will help the charity grow and develop.
On joining Dogs for Good, Ed shared his passion for the charity and the positive impact dogs can make to people’s lives: “I’ve known Dogs for Good for a few years and have always been so impressed with the work that the charity does and the impact that it has. Dogs for Good is a charity doing something very special and unique. It’s a real privilege to be joining such a passionate and talented group of people; the commitment of the whole team – staff, volunteers and clients – really is the beating heart of Dogs for Good.
“I’m truly excited to be able to build on the work the charity has been doing and to develop the opportunities to broaden the recognition of the power of dogs and steering the charity into a future where we and our dogs impact many more lives and do more good.”
Helen McCain – Director of Training and Development
Helen McCain is Director of Training and Development at Dogs for Good. Over many years Helen has led the development of assistance dog services to help adults and children with a wide range of disabilities and also autistic children. The charity was the first to bring assistance dog services for children to the UK in 2003 and Helen personally trained the charity’s first autism assistance dog in 2007.
Helen has played an integral role in setting standards for Assistance Dogs International and is also an assessor of assistance dog organisations around the world ensuring a high level of standards in all accredited organisations.
Helen’s belief that dogs are good for us has led the charity to continually explore new ways that dogs can help people. The charity’s Family Dog service gives specialist advice and support to help people get the most out of their relationship with their pet dog – the PAWS Family Dog workshops have helped over 700 families with a child with autism and PAWS workshops are now an international export with the service being offered by sister organisations in Australia, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
Helen was instrumental in developing Dogs for Good’s Community Dog service, training therapy and activity dogs to work alongside specialist handlers in schools and communities. Together they help adults and children to overcome specific challenges and develop life skills.
Helen is a huge fan of cocker spaniels and has two of them as her companion dogs.
Olivia Rainford – Director of Income Generation
Olivia joined Dogs for Good in October 2022, bringing her expertise to lead a dynamic team focused on growing the charity’s reputation and generating vital funds to help us deliver our work.
Before joining Dogs for Good, Olivia spent eight years in Higher Education advancement, complemented by earlier experience working with charitable organisations to build meaningful engagement with their supporters.
Dogs for Good’s person-centred approach is always front and centre when talking about the charity’s impact, says Olivia: “I tell this to anyone that will listen – the credibility and authenticity of our service provision is truly remarkable. Our team go above and beyond to deliver person-centred support that can really make a difference to people when they may be used to being labelled or having to fit their requirements into systems not built to meet their own individual needs.”
Looking to the future, Olivia hopes that Dogs for Good can continue to expand our reach, positively influencing the wellbeing of more individuals and families across the UK by increasing our collective understanding of the bond we share with dogs and the boundless possibilities this can bring.
Erica Mackay – Director of People 
Erica joined Dogs for Good in September 2024 and leads all aspects of the charity’s people operations and strategy. She oversees a dedicated team committed to delivering an exceptional experience for both staff and volunteers, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
Before joining Dogs for Good, Erica spent seven years in leadership roles within the fast-paced tech sector. During this time, she gained extensive experience in people operations, culture development, and managing organisational change. Known for her progressive and pragmatic approach, Erica takes pride in fostering a people-first culture.
Passionate about empowering individuals to live their best and happiest lives, Erica draws inspiration from the incredible potential of the Dogs for Good team. She is dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and development and is excited about the positive impact the organisation can achieve as it continues to grow.
Cliff Hedley – Director of Finance
With a background spanning 40 years working in finance and eight years of that in the charity sector, Cliff Hedley joined Dogs for Good in January 2025 as Director of Finance.
“I had a really happy time working at my previous job and it was always going to be a tough act to follow,” he laughs. “When the role came up at Dogs for Good though, everything just felt right and I was really thrilled to be offered the position working for what I believe is a very progressive and innovative charity.”
Cliff and his wife are proud guardians of their two cats, Horace and Archie and a two and half year-old golden doodle called Tilly who, by his own admission, rules the house. “She’s a joy in our lives and the dynamic between her, Horace and Archie is fabulous. Prior to her arrival, Archie could be a bit worried about certain things and people but Tilly has really brought him out of himself. She’s worked some kind of doodle magic and Archie’s much more confident and happier to interact with people these days.”
Cliff is committed to helping Dogs for Good support as many people as it can through connection with dogs. “Dogs for Good’s ambition is to support 4,000 people a year by 2028 and a solid financial platform is an essential part of making that a reality. People are so very generous with the donations and legacies they give to us and I feel strongly that we must honour their trust and belief in our work by ensuring every financial gift or donation is used intelligently and wisely.”
Trustees
Click here to meet our Trustees
Patrons
Patron: The Marquess of Hertford
Vice Presidents
Rosemary King
Company Secretary
Ed Bracher