BHA Secures Key Funding to Drive Forward People Board Initiatives
Launched in 2023, the People Board represents a collective industry commitment to "attract and retain a highly skilled and well-supported workforce across British racing and breeding."
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has secured vital funding to continue the Horseracing Industry’s People Board (HIPB) programme, ensuring its important work in workforce development remains firmly on track.
Launched in 2023, the People Board represents a collective industry commitment to "attract and retain a highly skilled and well-supported workforce across British racing and breeding."
To fund the next phase of the HIPB’s initiatives, the BHA has confirmed significant contributions from two key supporters: the Racing Foundation and the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The Racing Foundation has pledged £490,000, with the HBLB committing a further £270,000 to support the delivery of the HIPB’s 2025 programme.
Commenting on the announcement, Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said:
“We are proud to continue supporting the HIPB as it enters a vital delivery phase. This funding not only ensures continuity but enables fresh, impactful initiatives to take root.”
The newly secured funding will underpin both the launch of new projects and the continuation of existing schemes under the HIPB’s wider strategy, Our People, Racing’s Future. This framework focuses on enhancing development, wellbeing, and retention of the workforce within British racing.
Among the key initiatives set for 2025 is a new pilot tackling substance misuse, building on the success of the Newmarket Substance Misuse Support Network. This will see the introduction of drug and alcohol testing, alongside education and support services for those working in training yards and studs.
A mentoring and qualification pilot will also be launched, aimed at establishing an industry-wide standard for recognised mentoring training. Meanwhile, the Racing Staff Development Programme will be expanded to include skill-sharing and peer support initiatives.
In addition, a new workforce analysis and forecasting project will begin, designed to identify current skills and recruitment gaps across training establishments and inform long-term workforce planning.
Two important existing programmes will also benefit from continued funding: Racing Home, which supports working parents and carers—particularly women—and the JETS jockey coaching initiative, which seeks to enhance training provision in alignment with broader industry education strategies.
Leading the delivery of the expanded 2025 programme will be Jon Pett, who has been appointed as Programme Director for the HIPB. Pett brings significant experience from the world of elite sport, having previously held senior leadership roles at Pentathlon GB, British Cycling, and Table Tennis England.
“Jon’s appointment comes at a crucial time,” said Julia Tyson, Chair of the HIPB.
“His leadership will ensure the momentum we’ve built since the board’s formation in 2023 is carried forward into real, tangible outcomes for our workforce.”
Pett will head up an expanded HIPB team now based within the BHA, with additional roles being created to further support project delivery and strategic growth.
Alan Delmonte, Chief Executive of the HBLB, added:
“We recognise the significance of investing in racing’s people. The HIPB’s work is essential to building a sustainable and supportive industry for the future.”
The combined donations from the Racing Foundation and the HBLB form part of a wider £4.2 million investment in people-centred initiatives across British racing in 2025.
In other horse racing industry news, last week saw Virgin Bet celebrate its third Women's Day.
