Action plan seeks enhanced diversity & inclusion in British racing

The first ever Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, devised by the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG), seeks to place diversity and inclusion at British racing’s heart.

Containing a series of recommendations regarding eight core areas, it is hoped a plethora of long and short term core benefits will be felt, better reflecting the diversity of wider society “in terms of the sport’s governance, participants, racegoers and fans”.

To fully assist with the plans introduction and delivery the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is recruiting for a new “Head of Diversity and Inclusion” role, with long term objectives regarding work with the DiRSG and how the report is implemented and maintained.  

Nick Rust, BHA Chief Executive and DiRSG Chair, explained: “The publication of this Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan is a moment we hope all in the sport will welcome.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure the sport is as diverse and inclusive as possible and this plan seeks to ensure we have a focused approach to making that happen in the months and years ahead.

“At a time when we need to be attracting the best talent and growing our sport there is a clear commercial, as well as moral case, for making sure British Racing is a sport where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and where fans of all communities feel welcome.”

Josh Apiafi, DiRSG member, added: “Every member of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group brings experience, expertise and energy to the discussion on diversity and inclusion.

“We want to support the excellent work already going on in the sport while helping to provide new ideas which can be developed and delivered on a collaborative basis, requiring commitment from everyone in the sport.”

A breakdown of a selection of the reports headline recommendations are:

• Researching the appeal of horseracing within minority communities to understand how the sport can be more effective about attracting diverse audiences. 

• Investigating how to reach the next generation of racing fans, in particular those in urban environments. 

• Supporting and promoting opportunities for female jockeys. 

• Launching a diversity event for stakeholders within the sport in early 2019. 

• Collecting and publishing data on leading organisations in the sport.