Key points:
- Replaces and builds on existing training
- Modules expanded to cover wider aspects of human welfare
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has unveiled new online safeguarding and human welfare education.
Safeguarding and Human Welfare: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport is the name of the new online portal, which replaces and builds on the existing training first introduced in 2018.
This online training is now a mandatory requirement for anyone licensed by the BHA and complements the face-to-face education provided for licensed personnel and others.
On top of what the training already covers, this updated version looks at incorporating wider aspects of human welfare, with new modules covering areas such as sexual harassment and bullying.
In total, there are three modules on the course, namely Safeguarding and Human Welfare, Anti-Sexual Harassment and Misogyny, and Creating a Safe and Inclusive Sport.
Licence holders have been asked to complete the new online module as soon as they can, and by no later than 1 April 2025.
BHA Head of Safeguarding and Human Welfare Matt Mancini said: “The publication of refreshed online training is an important milestone in our efforts to ensure a safe, supportive and respectful working environment for everyone involved in British horseracing.
“Identified as a key priority in our Safeguarding and Human Welfare strategy, the new online learning has been developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure it provides practical guidance around legal requirements, good working practices and how to identify and report any issues of concern.
Good to know: BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington will be stepping down from her position at the end of the year
“We fully recognise that excellent levels of care and support already exist, with many employers taking their responsibilities extremely seriously and putting the necessary protections in place to support people across our sport.
“But we also know about the challenges and the need for us all to do more to embed consistently high standards of behaviour. This is evidenced by the reports made to the BHA, particularly around bullying and sexual harassment, as well as independent research into the experiences of women in our sport."
In other horseracing news, Virgin Bet is set to host a Women’s Day event at Doncaster Racecourse this Saturday, which will include two panels led by presenter Natalie Pike.
