BHA recognised for continuous British Armed Forces support

To commemorate its long-standing support for the British Armed Forces, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been awarded the Gold Award by the UK Government. 

The award is given to employers with a demonstrated “exceptional commitment” to those who serve and have served, such as veterans and reservists, as well as their families.

As part of its support for the Armed Forces, the BHA has a list of measures in place, such as bespoke advice, assistance programmes and flexible employment policies among others. 

Catherine Beloff, BHA Director of Legal, Governance and Business partners, commented: “We are immensely proud that less than two years after signing the Armed Forces Covenant we have achieved the highest accolade awarded by the Employer Recognition Scheme. 

“Securing a Gold Award is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to our collective efforts to strengthen the BHA’s valued relationship with the Armed Forces community.

“The BHA is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our colleagues and will continue to ensure that our employment policies recognise and reflect the unique skills, knowledge and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families can bring to the organisation.”

The relationship between the BHA and the British Armed Forces was first formalised in October 2022 when they co-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which led to the recent Gold standard achievement. 

Corporal Rachel Brierley-Ambrose, BHA Handicapper and Reservist, added: “I am delighted that the BHA has been awarded Gold as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme for the organisation’s continued support for the Armed Forces community. It is a brilliant achievement and shows that the organisation values the contribution of military personnel working in the BHA and across British racing.

“Joining the Armed Forces Reserves was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It has allowed me to develop a variety of skills and meet a diverse group of people.

“I hope that through achieving the Gold award, the BHA can continue to promote the employment of reservists, veterans, cadet forces, adult volunteers and family members of persons serving in the military, and highlight the multitude of benefits they bring to an organisation.”