Updates
Racing updates Industry statistics
Updates
Racing updates Industry statistics

Horseracing Industry People Board

British racing is a major employer, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and providing dedicated recruitment, training, and wellbeing services across the country, especially in rural communities.

The Horseracing Industry People Board has been established to oversee a more coordinated and long-term approach to our people – one that will help future-proof British racing by ensuring the industry is an attractive, fulfilling, safe and enjoyable place to work.

The Board will now lead the development of an ambitious people strategy, working with industry stakeholders to bring together new and existing projects in key areas such as recruitment, retention, skills development, physical and mental wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion.

This approach forms a key part of the wider Industry Strategy work being led by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and will be underpinned and informed by extensive stakeholder input, engagement and expertise.

Membership and structure

The Horseracing Industry People Board consists of individuals who provide a strong balance of knowledge, experience from within and beyond the racing industry.

Chaired by Neil Hayward, members bring deep understanding and expertise in key areas like human resources, diversity and inclusion, education and employment and strategic leadership.

Horseracing Industry People Board members:

Industry engagement

Members of the Horseracing Industry People Board are currently engaging with individuals and groups from across racing and breeding to support the development of a long-term people strategy for British racing.

Racing staff are invited to join members of the Horseracing Industry People Board at upcoming consultation sessions to feedback on the current key areas of focus (outlined below). For more information or to discuss the strategy, contact [email protected].

The key areas of focus at present include:

Attracting talent

  • Increasing the number of new entrants to racing via other sports and equine disciplines
  • Supporting employers in addressing their specific recruitment and retention challenges, including through reducing the number of hard to fill vacancies
  • Improving the skills and capabilities of those working in the industry.

Learning, development and careers

  • Ensuring that working in the industry is an attractive career option
  • Making sure that qualifications are relevant to participants and employers
  • Refining the vocational training landscape.

Employment practices and culture

  • Creating a ‘people first’ culture
  • Encouraging an increased use of agile and flexible working practices.

Support and welfare

  • High quality and accessible industry-wide support provision
  • An improved quality of life and wellbeing for our people.

If you would like to know more about this work, please contact us at [email protected]

More Information

British racing confirms membership of Industry People Board

Neil Hayward appointed as Chair of newly created Industry People Board

Neil Hayward
Chair

More than 25 years of experience, including in Board and Executive Team Leadership positions at High Speed Two Ltd, Post Office, BT, Ministry of Justice, Standard Chartered Bank, Gallaher Group, Serco Group and Booker, as well as in the NHS and Higher and Further Education.

Helene Sharrock

Chief People Officer at The Jockey Club since 2021, leading the people and culture team and delivering effective workforce strategies, including around talent acquisition and inclusion programmes. Previously spent 15-years in senior management roles within the media, sports entertainment and retail sectors.

Rob Hezel

Chief Executive of The Racing Foundation since 2015, with overall responsibility for setting and delivering the organisation’s strategy. Extensive business experience at Executive and Board level across racing, the private, public and third sectors, notably in the areas of education, skills, training and recruitment.

Julia Tyson

Former Chief HR Officer at Lloyd’s of London. An experienced executive director, responsible for developing and delivering successful people, change and culture programmes across multiple sectors over a 40-year career. Now building a portfolio of non-executive director roles focused on skills and culture development, along with coaching and mentoring HR Directors.

Daniel Kübler

A racehorse trainer with over 20 years’ industry experience. Together with wife, Claire, and a talented team they successfully combine horsemanship with an analytical, scientific evidence-based approach to training. Winners of the Lycetts Team Champions Award in 2020 and finalists in 2021 and 2022, they are recognised in the industry for their human resource practices.

George McGrath

Chief Executive of the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) since 2012 representing racing staff in various industry forums and providing support, advice and guidance on employment matters. Started his career in racing as an Apprentice Jockey before holding senior positions in several racing yards.

Tallulah Wilson

Head of International Partnerships at UK Tote Group, responsible for building commercial relationships. Chair of Women In Racing until 2022, setting strategic direction and coordinating projects, including family support service, Racing Home. Also set up The Thoroughbred Club, a club for young people interested in participating and working in racing.

Tom Scudamore

Recently-retired Professional Jump Jockey with more than 1,500 winners – including multiple Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival victories. Has held several ambassadorial roles within the industry and was a member of the Whip Steering Group.

Neil Robertson

An experienced senior leader in the public and private sectors, specialising in designing and implementing skills strategies, most recently in rail, energy and hospitality. Currently the Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail, providing expert skills and consultancy services in the transport and infrastructure sectors.

Lucy Attwood
Programme Director

Extensive career in HR with ten years’ experience leading Godolphin’s HR function. Has held senior management positions in pharmaceutical sales and research organisations, manufacturing and fintech and worked as a freelance consultant for SMEs. Has a degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and has worked in private practice as a therapist, executive coach and for Cambridge University Staff Counselling Service.

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