Hayward leaves HIPB with workforce strategy in ‘well advanced’ position

Neil Hayward is stepping down as Chair of the Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB).

After spending almost two years in the position, Haywood will exit the role with the workforce strategy in a ‘well advanced’ position with completion planned before the end of 2024.

HIPB also emphasised that there is a high-calibre Board of industry and subject-matter experts appointed to support the implementation of this strategy.

Hayward commented on his departure: “It has been a privilege to Chair the HIPB and I am proud of the progress we have made towards developing an evidence-led plan for British racing’s workforce.

“There is very rarely an ideal time to leave any position, but I know that when finalised, the implementation of the strategy will require extensive industry engagement and a time commitment that I am at present unable to fulfil. For the strategy to succeed, this feels like the appropriate time to step aside and let someone else lead this important work.

“I am immensely grateful to many people across British racing and breeding for their advice, guidance and input as I have undertaken this fascinating challenge. None more so than my HIPB colleagues and the project team.

“Our aim was to attract a suitable blend of talent, knowledge and expertise, both from within racing and further afield, and they have worked tirelessly to not only produce a comprehensive strategy, but also advocate for racing’s workforce across a variety of decision-making forums, laying solid foundations for further progress.”

Hayward will continue to provide counsel to the HIPB and support the transition until his contract comes to an end in October 2024.

In the meantime, HIPB Board member Julia Tyson has agreed to act as Interim Chair, taking up the role with immediate effect. 

Tyson added: “The sport can be grateful for the work that Neil has done to shape a strategy for its future workforce. It’s important that as we finalise the strategy, we focus on how to deliver it in a meaningful and effective way to make British racing as appealing as possible to our existing staff while attracting the next generation of talent.

“I would also like to thank our funders – the British Horseracing Authority, the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Racing Foundation – for their continued support for the people strategy. With their financial backing and guidance, the HIPB will continue to gain increasing credibility as an important governance forum for workforce matters.

“I have every confidence that the HIPB will continue to play a central role as racing looks to secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for the people who make this great sport possible. I look forward to leading this work through its exciting next phase.”

Finally, BHA Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, thanked Hayward for his contribution and commitment over the past two years, emphasising how the brand has looked to take ‘a much more coordinated approach’.

“This requires an ambitious and deliverable long-term plan, and under Neil’s leadership a considerable amount of work has already been undertaken in a relatively short space of time to produce a central strategy that can help future-proof our workforce and working practices,” she added.

“I look forward to working with Julia and the HIPB team as we continue to address some of the key staffing challenges, support the tens of thousands of people working in our sport and promote the myriad benefits of pursuing a career in racing.”