13/06/2026
❤️ We are a relatively new branch so unfortunately we never had the chance to meet Steve but we can't thank him enough for being able to be part of everything he has achieved in making Greyhound Trust the outstanding charity it is today ❤️
We are also looking forward to seeing Ray Harding take on the role . Having worked closely with him we are very excited to be a part of the journey .
For almost eleven years, Professor Steve Dean has helped lead Greyhound Trust with dedication, compassion and an unwavering commitment to retired racing greyhounds.
After nearly eleven years of dedicated service, Professor Dean has stepped down as Chair of the Greyhound Trust Board of Trustees.
Throughout his time with the charity, Professor Dean has been a passionate advocate for retired racing greyhounds and has helped guide Greyhound Trust through a period of significant growth, change and achievement.
His leadership, commitment and unwavering focus on greyhound welfare have helped strengthen the organisation and support thousands of greyhounds on their journey to loving homes.
Under his stewardship, Greyhound Trust has strengthened its foundations, expanded its capabilities and continued to evolve in support of the greyhounds at the heart of our mission.
As Professor Dean steps down from the role, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for his leadership, guidance and dedication over the past decade. His contribution to Greyhound Trust and to the welfare of retired racing greyhounds has been significant, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done.
From everyone at Greyhound Trust, thank you, Professor Dean, and we wish you every success for the future. 💚
🗣️ Read the full press release below:
Chair of Trustees steps down after eleven years of service.
Greyhound Trust announces that Professor Steve Dean has stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees after nearly eleven years of dedicated service to the charity.
Steve joined the Board in October 2015 and has helped guide Greyhound Trust through a period of
significant change and development.Throughout his tenure, his focus has remained steadfast: ensuring that retired racing greyhounds have the opportunity to enjoy safe, loving homes and the best possible future after racing.
During Steve's time as Chair, more than 25,000 retired racing greyhounds have found homes through
Greyhound Trust's homing network.The charity has strengthened its foundations and resilience,
navigating significant challenges including COVID and important changes in the wider funding landscape. Under his leadership, Greyhound Trust opened its first owned homing centre, paving the way for further owned locations and providing greater long-term stability for the charity and the greyhounds it serves.
These developments have helped place Greyhound Trust in a stronger position to support retired racing
greyhounds both now and in the future.
As Greyhound Trust enters its next chapter, the organisation remains firmly focused on the greyhounds at the heart of its mission.The charity is currently finalising its next five-year strategy, which is centred on homing more greyhounds and continuing to strengthen the systems, support and infrastructure that enable successful homing across the country. Every decision will continue to be guided by what is best for retired racing greyhounds.
Professor Dean said:
"It has been a privilege to serve Greyhound Trust over the past eleven years. I am incredibly proud of
what has been achieved during that time and grateful to everyone who has contributed to the charity's
success. Our volunteers, branches, staff and supporters share an unwavering commitment to
greyhounds, and it has been an honour to work alongside them.
"The welfare and future of retired racing greyhounds has always been at the heart of every decision we
have made. I leave knowing that the charity is in a strong position, with a clear purpose, dedicated
people and an exciting future ahead."
Raymond Harding, Vice Chair of Greyhound Trust, said:
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Steve for his outstanding contribution to Greyhound Trust.
His leadership, commitment and passion for greyhound welfare have helped guide the charity through a period of considerable change and achievement.
"The Board remains united in its commitment to our mission and to ensuring that the welfare and
successful homing of greyhounds remains at the heart of everything we do.We look forward to building
on the strong foundations that have been established."
Lisa Morris, Chief Executive of Greyhound Trust, said:
"I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve for more than a decade.Together, we have seen
the charity navigate challenges, embrace opportunities and continue to evolve in support of
greyhounds and those who care for them, while strengthening the organisation for the future.
"Steve has always championed the importance of putting greyhounds at the centre of our thinking, and
I would like to personally thank him for his dedication throughout our time working together.
"Greyhound Trust is entering an exciting new phase.We are financially stable, operationally strong and absolutely focused on our mission of finding more loving homes for retired racing greyhounds."
The Board extends its sincere thanks to Steve for his leadership, commitment and dedicated service
over nearly eleven years and wishes him every success in the future.
Note: At their meeting on 9th June 2026, the Board of Trustees elected Raymond Harding as the new
Chair of Greyhound Trust and Chris Reeves as Vice Chair.
Media Contact:
Adam Baldock
Marketing & PR Manager
Greyhound Trust
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 8335 3016
