The British Racing School believes this sport should be a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
We fully support the British Horseracing Authority’s Safeguarding and Human Welfare Strategy, published today, and the steps the organisation is taking to ensure a safe, happy and sustainable career for all members of the national horseracing workforce.
The work carried out by Dr Eleanor Boden has been invaluable to the industry in highlighting areas in which we can improve. We are grateful for her care and effort in doing this research. We welcome her report and embrace the opportunity for further positive changes that it presents.
The School works hard to set high standards and give our young people confidence to speak up when they see or experience behaviours that fall short, either here or in the workplace. Our staff are all trained in safeguarding and fully understand that upholding this duty of care is everyone’s responsibility. We also have a dedicated team who are skilled in supporting young people once they leave the School to embark on their chosen career.
Discrimination, and worse, clearly exists in wider society; the racing industry is no different. We believe this report provides everyone in this sport with an opportunity to hold ourselves to higher standards, which the BHA can lead and uphold via regulation. We will continue to support them in this endeavour.
We are aware that not only those people who contributed to this report, but also others who may recognise experiences of their own in what they read, may need help or support or even just a chance to talk. We actively encourage any BRS student or graduate who has encountered bullying or harassment – now, in the past or at any time – to report this via any of the following channels:
Email respect@britishhorseracing.com
Call RaceWISE on 08000 852 580
Text BRSSAFE to 62277
Talk to Racing Welfare on 0800 6300 443 (24-hour confidential service)
You can also speak to any member of the BRS team or your allocated Workplace Instructor.