The British Horseracing Board today calls for all trainers to support the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) programme, which has been launched as part of the work to implement the recommendations of the Independent Stable and Stud Staff Commission.

The TNA will involve six months of research, which will include all licensed trainers receiving a questionnaire. It is anticipated that a further 30% of trainers will take part in a face-to-face interview process with the TNA research team which is managed by the Industry Recruitment and Training team and has the backing of the National Trainers Federation and the Stable Lads Association.

The Thoroughbred Breeders Association are already undertaking a similar project interviewing Stud Managers, and the resulting information will be fed back to form part of the TNA study, allowing for joined up thinking between the two workforces.

The TNA aims to create a specifically targeted three-year programme, designed to enable British Horseracing’s governing body to prioritise the funding and development of training courses, and effectively work towards meaningful solutions to the industry’s most debated stud and stable staff issues.

To efficiently build an infrastructure that supports staff and their employers, the TNA requires the co-operation of those involved to feedback and help determine their needs. After the six-month research programme is complete, a preliminary report will be discussed with the relevant industry bodies, before the formal development of the three-year training plan is presented to the British Horseracing Authority Board and the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust.

BHB Head of Industry Recruitment and Training Sara Hay-Jahans said: “The Training Needs Analysis survey has been designed to play an important role in understanding what training needs exist in order to help both employers and employees within the industry. It’s essential that we take the time to gather and listen to feedback from those at the forefront of the situation, and by establishing the training needs, we can then aim to set the direction of development work and prioritise funding.”