Well-Being Survey Launched By British Racing

Wellbeing across the Horseracing Industry, a comprehensive survey to help inform a strategy dedicated to the welfare of the British Racing workforce, was launched on Tuesday.

The survey, which runs through May 16, is open to everyone working across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Every individual who completes the survey, will receive a personalised well-being report to help improve how they feel, live and work. A Wellbeing Committee was also created, comprising a significant range of expertise across its membership, as well as a dedication towards improving further the overall health of the sport and its employees. The Wellbeing Committee consists of the following:

• Simon Jones, Chair
• Linda Bowles, HR Director and charity trustee
• Kay Boyden, Director of Programmes, Racing Welfare
• Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive, Injured Jockeys Fund
• Jerry Hill, BHA Chief Medical Adviser
• Will McConn, Sports Psychologist and joint author of the 2019 review and recommendations on mental health support in British Racing
• Rishi Persad, Horseracing and sports broadcaster
• Simone Sear, Director of Welfare, Racing Welfare

The committee, which will report to the People Board chaired by BHA Director Laura Whyte, will lead an industry-wide programme of work that brings together all the organisations that deliver support to the workforce, with well-being prioritised. A well-being strategy was identified as a priority within British Racing's COVID-19 recover plan published last summer. There will also be dedicated well-being workshops for leaders across British Racing and the completion of a comprehensive gap analysis of provision across key stakeholder bodies, are among priorities that have been delivered early in 2021.The Racing Foundation has provided funding support in this crucial area to date, which builds on their support of the groundbreaking 2019 report, 'A lifestyle rather than a job': a review and recommendations on mental health support within British Racing.

Wellbeing Committee Chair Simon Jones said, “I'm delighted to have been asked to Chair British Racing's Wellbeing Committee. In establishing this Committee, the BHA and the sport, working with the full range of stakeholders, has given the highest priority possible to a programme of work that puts the wellbeing of our workforce at the top of our sports agenda.

“The industry's Wellbeing Committee will oversee the delivery of excellence in wellbeing, development and pastoral support of our people, and contribute to the continued improvement in the health of our sport.”

BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington added, “Staff wellbeing, across the full breadth of British racing, is a priority for decision-makers in our sport and will be critical to our recovery from the pandemic, and our growth in the future.

“I wish to thank Simon and his fellow Wellbeing Committee members for their commitment to this crucial area, which will be matched at the BHA as plans and policies are developed. This is a big opportunity for all employees, in every area of our sport, to have their voices heard, and I encourage everyone to complete the survey.”