The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is publishing updated safeguarding rules and regulations to help ensure British racing continues to be safe, enjoyable and fulfilling industry in which to work.
The revised rules and regulations reflect best safeguarding practice and include a range of practical measures to support racing’s workforce.
The BHA first introduced safeguarding regulations for British racing in 2019, which were reviewed and amended in February 2022, prior to the publication of the industry’s Safeguarding and Human Welfare strategy in December 2023.
The latest updates continue our progression in this area. The key changes that will be in place from Tuesday 9 June include:
- The creation of a Safeguarding Case Management Group, with independent representation, to provide scrutiny and challenge to BHA-led decisions relating to safeguarding.
- The addition of a mandatory reporting duty which requires safeguarding concerns involving under 18s to be reported to the BHA. This will enable the BHA’s safeguarding team to provide additional support with cases where necessary and help build an overall picture of risk across the sport, helping to identify potential trends or patterns of behaviour. Further guidance to explain and support the mandatory reporting process can be found here.
- The ability to impose risk management measures on individuals when they present a clear and obvious safeguarding risk. This measure will be reserved for more serious cases and can be appealed to the Judicial Panel.
- A new safeguarding-specific section in the Rules of Racing (Chapter M), ensuring all Rules are in one place to make it easier for participants to access what they need.
The changes follow engagement with stakeholders, and the BHA will continue this work to support the implementation process through training and specialised guidance.
Matt Mancini, BHA Head of Safeguarding and Human Welfare, said:
“These updated measures are fundamentally about protecting and supporting our people, ensuring that British racing is a safe environment for everyone involved. They reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards across the sport.
“We recognise that effective safeguarding relies not just on regulation, but on education, understanding and shared responsibility among those working in the sport. We will be working closely with participants and stakeholders across the industry to help them understand the changes and support their successful introduction.
“By continuing to strengthen our work in this important area, we are ensuring that racing remains a safe, respectful and inclusive place to work for all.”
Implementing revised safeguarding regulations was one of the priorities listed in the BHA’s Safeguarding and Human Welfare Strategy.
Several other areas have also been introduced or improved following the publication of the strategy in December 2023, including:
- New mandatory online education programmes have been developed for all participants, as well as improved in-person training
- Specialist Safeguarding and Human Welfare Practitioners have been recruited to the BHA safeguarding team, bolstering the BHA’s capabilities in this important area
- Improved reporting through the strengthened RaceWISE service, which has recently been expanded to include two-way anonymous communication via WhatsApp and text messaging
- A successful pilot of DBS checks for certain licensed personnel, which will start to be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks
Notes to editors:
1. The updated BHA Safeguarding Policy can be found here.
2. The updated safeguarding regulations have been incorporated into the BHA Rules of Racing.
3. Guidance on mandatory reporting can be found here.
4. For further information or assistance, please contact [email protected].
