SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
UK racing has formed ‘a cross-industry working party’ that will establish an action plan that aims to breed a culture of respect across all components of the sport.
The directive was originally announced last December, as racing stakeholders issued a joint-statement “regarding the conduct of those who work in the sport, and a commitment to take wide-ranging action to offer support and education to industry participants around behaviours.”
2021 saw racing tarnished by champion jockey Bryony Frost allegations against fellow rider Richard Dunne of bullying and harassment.
The allegations were followed by a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) panel investigation that suspended Dunne for 18 months – a judgement that has been challenged by the Irish jockey.
Adam Green, the BHA’s Head of Industry Training and Retention, has been charged with leading the development of the Working Party that aims to establish a new Code-of-Conduct to safeguard racing’s workplace environments.
The group will count on the participation of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), Racecourse Association (RCA) and Racing Welfare.
Stakeholder representatives will meet monthly, to facilitate important cross-industry discussions on how an action plan can be established to promote a culture of respect across all levels of racing.
The group and action plans development will be overseen by independent advisor Dr Eleanor Boden providing expertise on workforce development, community engagement and diversity and inclusion.
“The working party reflects the commitment from everyone to effect meaningful change for the future of Racing” – Adam Green stated taking on the role of Chair of the Culture of Respect Working Party.
“Having been a part of conducting the Code of Conduct consultation across the industry, I am left in no doubt that there is an overwhelming appetite from all quarters to improve the culture of respect and make sure that everybody involved in the sport is supportive of one another.”
