An updated version of the Safeguarding and Human Welfare Strategy was published by the British Horseracing Authority on Wednesday.
The Strategy, covering a four-year period, seeks to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the sport. These objectives are supported by a comprehensive action plan, which includes:
- Enhanced safeguarding and human welfare education for industry leaders, employers and employees, with specific training around sexual abuse and misconduct
- Refining reporting mechanisms, simplifying the existing referral processes and ensuring appropriate support for those reporting allegations
- Improving how we manage concerns, so that cases are dealt with effectively, in a sensitive, timely manner and in accordance with regulatory best practice
- Creating a network of 'Respect in Racing champions' – role models who can help influence, inform, support and provide confidential advice to others
- An industry-wide awareness campaign to improve understanding of what sexual misconduct is, why it is unacceptable and what to do if it occurs
- Using the latest data and research most effectively to identify, better understand and respond to emerging risks and trends. This includes further research to explore the lived experience of people working in British racing.
BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, said, “British horseracing is dependent on the hard work and dedication of the people who ensure our sport can take place throughout the year. Everyone involved in our industry should feel safe, supported and confident in the knowledge that they will always be treated with dignity and respect.
“On behalf of British racing, I apologise unreservedly to anyone who has experienced harm and behaviour that is unacceptable. I also want to thank those who have shared their stories and provided powerful personal testimony. We are sorry and we will work determinedly to put this right.
“There is no place in British racing for sexual misconduct, bullying or any form of discrimination or conduct that makes people feel inferior, inadequate or excluded. We must always maintain the highest standards, no matter our role or responsibility, and strive to build a universal culture of respect.
“There is much more to do, and the updated Safeguarding and Human Welfare Strategy–which has the unanimous support of the BHA Board and racing's leadership–is another important milestone in this journey”.
For more information, please visit the BHA's website.
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