The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched a new, enhanced online training platform titled “Safeguarding and Human Welfare: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport.” This educational portal is a significant step forward for the BHA in ensuring the safety, welfare, and inclusivity of everyone involved in British horseracing. Building on the original platform introduced in 2018, the new training modules are designed to address broader aspects of human welfare, including critical areas such as sexual harassment and bullying.

British Horseracing Authority Introduces Comprehensive Online Safeguarding and Human Welfare Training for Industry

The BHA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment is reflected in this upgraded training, which is now a mandatory requirement for anyone licensed by the BHA. The new course is intended to be a vital resource for understanding and implementing high standards of behavior across the horseracing industry, fostering a supportive culture where welfare and safeguarding are top priorities.

What the New BHA Online Safeguarding and Welfare Training Includes

The updated training platform offers three comprehensive modules, each focused on core aspects of welfare and inclusivity. These modules aim to equip license holders with practical tools for identifying and addressing inappropriate behavior, ensuring the highest standards of conduct across the industry.

1. Safeguarding and Human Welfare

The Safeguarding and Human Welfare module provides foundational guidance on creating a safe and inclusive environment. This section emphasizes best practices for safeguarding individuals within the horseracing community, covering legal requirements, support systems, and the responsibilities of each stakeholder to maintain a respectful environment. It aims to reinforce awareness of the vital importance of welfare in the horseracing industry and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards.

2. Anti-Sexual Harassment and Misogyny

One of the most significant additions to the training is the module on Anti-Sexual Harassment and Misogyny. Recognizing the need for a focused approach to combating harassment and discrimination, this module addresses the challenges faced by individuals within the sport, particularly women, based on research and reports of misconduct. This course educates license holders on identifying inappropriate behavior, understanding the harmful impact of misogyny, and taking appropriate action to create a respectful environment. The module underscores the BHA’s commitment to tackling systemic issues of harassment and promoting an industry culture where all individuals feel safe and valued.

3. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport

The Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport module aims to establish the principles and practices that support an inclusive atmosphere in horseracing. This section includes strategies to promote diversity, prevent bullying, and ensure every individual has equal access to opportunities within the sport. The content draws attention to the responsibility of each license holder to foster inclusivity and tackle behaviors that may contribute to an unsafe environment.

Mandatory Training Completion Deadline for BHA License Holders

To ensure industry-wide compliance, the BHA has set a completion deadline of April 1, 2025, for all license holders. The mandatory nature of this training reflects its importance in the BHA’s overall strategy to safeguard and support everyone involved in horseracing, from trainers and jockeys to stable staff and administrative personnel.

The requirement applies not only to those directly handling horses but also to everyone affiliated with the BHA, highlighting the organization’s belief in universal standards for safeguarding and welfare. By mandating this training, the BHA is sending a clear message: maintaining the welfare of all individuals in horseracing is a collective responsibility that extends across all levels of the sport.

The Importance of Safeguarding and Welfare in Horseracing

Horseracing, as a dynamic and demanding industry, has faced increasing scrutiny regarding the welfare of both its human and equine participants. The BHA acknowledges that while significant care and support systems are already in place, there remains a need to embed consistently high standards across all aspects of the industry. This safeguarding and welfare training serves as a response to this need, providing a structured, mandatory approach to addressing issues that could impact the safety and well-being of industry participants.

BHA’s Head of Safeguarding and Human Welfare, Matt Mancini, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The publication of refreshed online training is an important milestone in our efforts to ensure a safe, supportive, and respectful working environment for everyone involved in British horseracing.” Mancini also noted that the training was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, ensuring its relevance to real-world challenges within horseracing.

Addressing Industry-Specific Challenges: Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Misogyny

The BHA has acknowledged specific challenges within horseracing, particularly in terms of bullying and sexual harassment. Research and reports from participants in the sport have shown that these issues persist, with women often facing higher risks. The BHA’s proactive approach with modules dedicated to anti-harassment training and safe workplace behavior highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing these challenges head-on.

The inclusion of these modules is not only about preventing unacceptable behavior but also about empowering industry participants to recognize signs of misconduct and feel confident in reporting them. By fostering a culture that does not tolerate bullying or harassment, the BHA aims to create an environment where everyone can focus on their professional development and contribution to the sport without fear or discomfort.

How This Training Fits into the BHA’s Broader Safeguarding Strategy

The launch of this updated online training platform is part of a broader Safeguarding and Human Welfare strategy by the BHA. This strategy emphasizes collaboration with industry stakeholders, ongoing education, and proactive measures to address welfare issues. The training provides practical guidance for implementing legal requirements, adhering to good working practices, and creating a culture of accountability and respect.

Through this training, the BHA aims to reinforce a workplace environment where welfare and safety are prioritized, equipping license holders with the tools needed to support each other and maintain a positive industry reputation. In addition to this online course, the BHA also provides face-to-face training, ensuring that the message of welfare and safeguarding is deeply embedded within the horseracing community.

The Long-Term Impact of BHA’s Online Safeguarding and Welfare Training

The BHA’s investment in safeguarding and welfare training signifies a forward-looking approach to the challenges faced by those within horseracing. This training aims to create lasting change, embedding high standards of behavior and reinforcing a strong support system across the industry. By focusing on comprehensive education, the BHA hopes to create a safer, more inclusive future for horseracing.

The BHA’s approach also serves as a model for other sports organizations, demonstrating that mandatory, ongoing education is a critical component of an effective safeguarding strategy. As horseracing continues to grow and evolve, the BHA’s commitment to human welfare ensures that the sport remains not only exciting and competitive but also safe and respectful for all participants.

Conclusion: The Launch

The British Horseracing Authority’s launch of the new Safeguarding and Human Welfare online training represents a significant step forward in promoting a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity within British horseracing. Through this comprehensive, mandatory course, the BHA is addressing key issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, and welfare responsibilities, underscoring its dedication to the well-being of all participants in the sport.

FAQs About BHA’s New Online Safeguarding and Welfare Training

1. What is the British Horseracing Authority’s new online training about?

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced an online training platform titled “Safeguarding and Human Welfare: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport.” This training is designed to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment in horseracing, addressing issues like bullying, sexual harassment, and human welfare.

2. Who is required to complete this new online training?

All BHA license holders, including trainers, jockeys, stable staff, and other industry professionals, are required to complete this training by April 1, 2025. This mandatory training ensures everyone in the industry adheres to high standards of safeguarding and welfare.

3. What topics are covered in the new BHA training modules?

The training consists of three main modules:

• Safeguarding and Human Welfare: Covers general safeguarding practices and legal obligations.
• Anti-Sexual Harassment and Misogyny: Educates participants on preventing and responding to sexual harassment and misogynistic behaviors.
• Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport: Focuses on promoting inclusivity and preventing bullying in the horseracing environment.

4. Why did the BHA update its safeguarding and welfare training?

The BHA updated its training to address broader welfare issues in horseracing, responding to industry reports and research that highlighted the need for better education on topics like sexual harassment and bullying. The BHA aims to build a safer, more inclusive environment for all participants.

5. When is the deadline to complete this training?

The BHA has set a completion deadline of April 1, 2025, for all license holders to ensure full compliance across the horseracing industry.

6. How does this training fit into the BHA’s broader welfare strategy?

This training is part of the BHA’s larger Safeguarding and Human Welfare strategy, which includes ongoing education, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and measures to ensure the well-being of all participants in horseracing. It reinforces a culture of safety and accountability in the sport.

7. Why does the BHA focus on issues like bullying and sexual harassment in its training?

Bullying and sexual harassment are reported challenges within horseracing, with women being particularly affected. By including these topics in the training, the BHA aims to address and prevent misconduct, empowering participants to recognize and report inappropriate behaviors.

8. Is the training only available online?

While this specific course is online, the BHA also provides face-to-face training sessions, ensuring that safeguarding and welfare education is accessible and effective for all license holders.

9. What are the anticipated long-term benefits of this training?

The BHA’s training aims to create a lasting positive impact by embedding high standards of behavior, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment in horseracing, and setting a precedent for human welfare in sports organizations.