16 ICRAV 2026 If Social Licence is the acceptance given by stakeholders to conduct activities, then it is key to many organisations’ activities. Equestrian Sports have a range of such stakeholders (public, industry, legislators, its own community). Government also has a range of stakeholders (voters, Industry bodies, political parties, national bodies and NGOs) Both parties must maintain social licence through transparent and listening engagement, responsible behaviours, clear responsiveness and by demonstrating fairness. Both parties are also seeing changes in societal values, the ability to access information, the speed of communications, and competition for the public’s attention. Government can and has often been called upon to be the ultimate Regulator in many areas such as the environment, trading standards, commodities, animal welfare standards, and anti-corruption. But it also can support and be a catalyst for the growth of many activities. ABSTRACT Previously Veterinary Director for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), Graeme became Deputy CVO for the UK Government, leading multi-disciplinary strategic, policy, and operational teams. He moved to Australia as Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer. After practice, he joined the UK government, seeing firsthand how reviews and legislative changes force paradigm shifts in animal health and welfare. Graeme completed an MBA, was a Lt-Colonel in the Army Reserves and spent a year at UK Defence College. Post Operations in Afghanistan, he joined the FEI and was part of changes in International Equestrian Sports approach to anti-doping, reviews into hyperflexion, arena surfaces, prohibited substances, hypersensitisation, NSAID use, and FEI Veterinary Officials roles. He was on the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) board. In government he has been part of national approaches to disease responses, trade negotiations, and changes in national strategies and legislation. Co-chair of the Australian Animal Health Committee, he was part of World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE), EU, expert groups and is Chair of the WOAH Group for Preparedness. Graeme Cooke CVO Victoria Agriculture Victoria, DEECA Social Licence: Perspectives from a Regulator post equestrian sport and now Government
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