British Horseracing Authority Welcomes Diverse Perspectives through New Survey

Last updated: April 4, 2024 by Leon Marshal

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has launched a survey aimed at individuals from diverse backgrounds in the racing industry. This initiative, supported by the Racing Foundation, seeks insights to enhance inclusivity and understand the experiences of those within horse racing, aiming to foster a more diverse and welcoming environment.

Introduction to BHA’s Diversity Initiative

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has embarked on a landmark initiative, launching a survey aimed at individuals from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds within the racing industry. This pioneering effort seeks to collect valuable insights into their experiences to understand the nuanced landscape of diversity within the sport.

Supported by the Racing Foundation, this survey represents a critical step towards acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges and barriers diverse communities face in horse racing. By gathering firsthand accounts, the BHA intends to identify key areas for improvement and actionable steps towards fostering a more inclusive environment.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to ensure that horse racing not only attracts but also supports and retains talent from all backgrounds. It underscores the BHA’s commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion, reflecting the sport’s global nature and the varied communities it serves. The survey will also receive input from those who bet away from the track, for example, those who use the top betting sites.

Additionally, this initiative aligns with broader efforts within the sporting world to embrace diversity as a cornerstone of success and innovation. Through this survey, the BHA aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on diversity in sports, setting a benchmark for inclusivity and understanding in the industry.

Details of the Survey

The British Horseracing Authority, in collaboration with the Racing Foundation, has initiated an anonymous survey as a vital component of a wider research project. This effort aims to shed light on the opportunities and barriers that ethnically diverse individuals encounter within the racing industry. The BHA has commissioned an independent consultancy, Plan4Sport, to ensure the process’s integrity and inclusiveness.

The survey’s design encourages participation from a broad spectrum of individuals, ensuring that the findings represent the community’s diverse experiences. This strategic approach is key to uncovering actionable insights to drive meaningful change within the sport.

Expected to inform the development of comprehensive strategies for enhancing diversity and inclusion, the survey’s results will be instrumental in identifying practical steps to address identified challenges. This proactive measure underlines the industry’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Furthermore, the Racing Foundation’s support underscores the racing community’s collective effort to confront and overcome barriers to diversity. This partnership exemplifies the industry’s dedication to leveraging research for actionable outcomes, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity.

Comments from BHA Leadership

BHA Chief Executive Julie Harrington underscores the crucial role of diversity in amplifying the global appeal of horse racing. She asserts that the sports community in Britain benefits significantly from embracing diverse perspectives, contributing to the richness and dynamism of racing culture.

Harrington advocates for proactive measures to ensure the racing industry is welcoming and accessible to talents from all backgrounds. She believes leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for an inclusive culture that values and seeks out diversity as a source of strength and innovation.

The commitment to diversity, according to Harrington, is not just about fairness or representation; it’s about enhancing the sport’s competitiveness and appeal on a global stage. These efforts, she emphasises, are essential for securing the future of horse racing in Britain, making it more vibrant and appealing to a wider audience.

Objectives and Expectations from the Research

The survey initiated by the BHA is poised to play a pivotal role in developing a robust people strategy for the racing industry. It aims to dismantle barriers to inclusion and cultivate a genuinely diverse and welcoming environment for individuals from varied backgrounds.

By systematically identifying and addressing the challenges faced by ethnically diverse groups, the survey seeks to foster a culture of inclusion. This effort is expected to lead to a more engaged and representative community within the racing industry, enhancing innovation and global competitiveness.

The anticipated outcome of this research is a comprehensive blueprint that not only elevates the industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion but also sets a precedent for other sports. This strategic focus on people and culture is envisioned to yield long-term benefits for the racing industry, making it more inclusive, dynamic, and appealing to a broad audience.

Further Steps and Call to Action

After the closure of the survey, the BHA is set to initiate a series of in-depth interviews and focus groups. This next phase aims to delve into the nuances of the feedback received, allowing for a deeper understanding of the experiences of those from diverse backgrounds within the racing industry.

The methodology behind these interviews and focus groups will be meticulously designed to ensure a safe and open environment for participants to share their insights. The BHA is committed to hearing the voices of those who can provide firsthand accounts of diversity and inclusion within the sport.

The expected outcome of these discussions is to identify tangible actions that can be taken to enhance diversity and inclusion in British horse racing. By analysing the detailed feedback, the BHA hopes to develop more targeted strategies that address specific issues and opportunities uncovered by the survey.

These efforts signify the BHA’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community within horse racing. It’s a call to action for the industry to unite in addressing diversity and inclusion, reinforcing that horse racing is a sport for everyone.