This is step one, and it’s the one that unlocks everything else. You can steward informally at shows before you join — but for those engagements to count towards qualifying, you need to be a member of the scheme first.
What you’re joining
You’re joining the Guild of GCCF Judges & Stewards, the body that runs stewarding for the GCCF. It’s a one-off £5 to join for your first year, plus a short application form. That’s the whole commitment to get started.
How to apply
Fill in the application form. It takes a few minutes — your details, a short declaration, and GDPR consent.
Pay the £5 by bank transfer (BACS), using your own name as the payment reference so we can match it to your application:
NatWest Bank · Sort code 60-14-55 · Account 79443850 · Account name The Guild of GCCF Judges
That’s it. Once your form and payment reach us, you’re enrolled.
What happens after you apply
You’ll get a welcome email within a few minutes confirming we have your details. (If it doesn’t arrive, check your spam, Promotions or Updates folder — our emails come from applications@gccftraining.org and ross@gccftraining.org.)
Our Treasurer checks your £5 payment against your name reference.
Once payment is confirmed, you’re a full Guild member — you’re in.
Everything you’ll need is online — there’s no pack to wait for in the post. Every document is on the Forms & Downloads page to download whenever you need it: the Stewarding Scheme Rules & Procedure, the Role & Responsibilities of a Steward, your Stewarding Show Certificates, Table Work Certificates, the Evidence of Veterinary Tuition form, and the Application to Progress to Fully Qualified. Keep them somewhere handy as you work through the scheme.
Who can join
You need to be 16 or over. Keen younger cat people aged 13–16 can take part through the Young Exhibitor Scheme (with appropriate insurance). Everyone on the scheme agrees to follow the GCCF Code of Conduct.
What you’ll do next
Once you’re in, qualifying means six stewarding engagements (across at least four sections), two Table Work Certificates, and a veterinary stewarding session — then you send in your promotion form. The full scheme page lays out all the detail, and Booking your engagements shows you how to get started at shows.
Any questions about joining? Email admin@gccftraining.org — we reply to everything.
