British racing has today launched the sport’s first Diversity and Inclusion E-learning module, as a further 13 organisations from across British racing confirm that they have signed up to British racing’s unified Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment.As part of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group’s (DiRSG) commitment to provide educational opportunities on diversity and inclusion, the group is pleased to launch an E-learning module specifically focussed on improving awareness and providing a step-by-step guide and learning experience on diversity and inclusion. This resource is currently free and open to anyone involved in the industry to undertake and hosted by Racing2Learn.com, British Racing’s online learning and development platform.The new module, which it is hoped will become embedded into existing industry training courses, compliments the existing LGBT+ awareness E-learning module, also developed by the DiRSG and Racing With Pride, which is the most popular voluntary E-learning programme on the platform now with over 1,000 completions.Industry Commitment reaches milestone of 30 signatoriesAs well as this new module, British racing is delighted to confirm that a total of 30 signatories have now signed up to the Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment.All six large independent racecourses – Ascot, Chester, Goodwood, Newbury, York and Ayr – along with Godolphin, the Injured Jockeys Fund, JETS, Racing Digital, Rewards4Racing, Scottish Racing and Take The Reins have joined key stakeholder organisations across British racing who made the commitment in 2021.The Industry Commitment formalises horseracing’s approach to diversity and inclusion, building on the existing activity already taking place. Signatories are asked to commit to assigning a diversity and inclusion lead at both executive and board level with each identifying their own priorities and activities for their individual organisation’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans, which are published on each organisation’s websites and will be reported against annually. The Industry Commitment is underpinned by the following five pillars:
- Leadership and Accountability
- Good Governance
- Education and Awareness Raising
- Celebrating Racing’s Diversity
- Engaging New Audiences
The DiRSG will continue to support these organisations on their delivery of this Commitment and are running a workshop on Tuesday 24 May to launch further guidance and best practice in a Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment Toolkit which will be available to all on the Racing Together website.Susannah Gill, Chair of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, said: “As we see more of an appetite from yard level to board level to learn more about diversity and inclusion, we are thrilled to launch this E-learning to help everyone in racing increase their knowledge, and in doing so help create a more inclusive sport.“With more of British racing’s organisations signing up to the Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment, we will continue to support offering digital and in-person guidance to everyone to help us all work together to build a sport where everyone feels welcome. We are making positive steps forward as a sport, and we must continue with this progress.”Charles Barnett, Secretary General of Large Independent Racecourses, said: “I am delighted that all large independent racecourses have signed up to the Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment. Throughout the group there is a positive shared understanding of its benefits and the need to be more inclusive across the industry.“We very much look forward to working closely with the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, and both the BHA and RCA to continue to build impactful actions that will ensure racing truly is a sport for all.”Lucy Attwood, Head of HR at Godolphin, said: “Godolphin is proud to sign up to racing’s Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment and we look forward to contributing towards the excellent work already started.“Racing should be seen as a sport for all and it is vital that we all, as industry leaders, are not only accountable within our own organisations but also continue to make progress to ensure the longevity of British racing.“We welcome the launch of the new E-learning module, something we will be encouraging everyone in our organisation to complete.”Gill Greeves, Vocational Training Manager at BHA, said: “We are delighted to support British Racing’s Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment by hosting this informative and interactive E-learning module on Racing2Learn. It is easy to access and can be completed at a time and place convenient to the individual. “We hope this course will provide the guidance and understanding required to support the whole of racing’s participants in making the sport welcoming and inclusive.”Notes to editors:1. The Diversity and Inclusion E-Learning can be found here.2. British racing’s unified Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment can be found here.3. The Diversity and Inclusion Industry Commitment was first undertaken in May 2021 by those collectively responsible for the operational running and promotion of British racing. Within the first year of its launch, the following 30 organisations have signed up:Arena Racing CompanyAscot RacecourseAyr RacecourseBritish Horseracing AuthorityBritish Racing SchoolChester Racecourse Company LtdGodolphinGoodwood RacecourseGreat British RacingInjured Jockeys FundJETSNational Association of Racing StaffNational Horseracing CollegeNational Trainers FederationNewbury RacecoursePony Racing AuthorityProfessional Jockeys AssociationRacecourse AssociationRacehorse Owners AssociationRacing DigitalRacing Together/Racing to SchoolRacing WelfareRewards4RacingScotting RacingScottish Racing AcademyTake The ReinsThe Jockey Club (on behalf of the Group including Jockey Club Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and The National Stud)The Racing FoundationThoroughbred Breeders AssociationYork Racecourse 4. For information on this press release, or to sign up to the work shop on 24th May or the Industry Commitment please contact Rose Grissell, Head of Diversity, 07771 376 384, [email protected].5. Formed in 2017, the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG) is an independent voluntary body providing strategic direction, advice and support to British Racing to help progress diversity and inclusion. Its work is reviewed and supported by the industry’s Members’ Committee, which comprises leaders from racecourses, participants and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
