Memorandum of Agreement Launched by Industry

Members of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) have today (15th November 2018), backed an initiative created by the British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers Association to support those who are working in the equestrian industry.

The Memorandum of Agreement aims to deliver a shared vision for the equestrian industry through safeguarding those who work within the sector, promoting the values of dignity and respect.

Malcolm Wharton, Chair of the BEF Council says; “The British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers Association have been making great progress in the work they have done around education and support, to grooms and employers, but it was important to ensure the whole federation was involved to make a collective step-change. We will be working collaboratively to support this initiative by promoting good employment practice and embracing equality and diversity to ensure the equestrian industry is a good place to work.”

The aim of the MOA is to deliver the shared vision. This includes the moral responsibility to stamp out bullying and to safeguard those that work with horses; the promotion and adherence of being legally compliant with HMRC and employment legislation and the need for all equestrian establishments to improve their image to attract and retain staff within the equestrian industry.

Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the British Grooms Association adds; “This initiative marks a significant moment in time, where the phrase ‘that’s what happens in the horse world’ is abolished. The revolution is here; together we can make this a positive transformation for equestrian businesses, the workforce and the horses in their care."

In October 2017 the BGA revealed in their Grooms Minds survey that 81% of respondents were not happy in their workplace, with 76% citing that they had been bullied, or received derogatory comments whilst at work. A subsequent survey from the BGA indicated that there was a high number of grooms leaving or considering leaving the equestrian industry.

Good Employment Ambassador Spencer Wilton says, "I’m proud to sign up to the Equestrian Employers Code of Good Employment initiative, and to be an Ambassador of Good Employment within the equestrian community. We owe so much to our grooms. My groom, Claire, is invaluable in leading my team, and I have no hesitation in ensuring that I am a good, caring and legal employer."

Members of the BEF Council will commit to adopt principles of the initiative which include; respect, integrity, fairness and equality. Signatories include, the British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping, BHS, ABRS, the Pony Club, World Horse Welfare, Horsescotland and the RDA.

Show that you are committed to ensuring good, legal and fair employment within your own business, by signing up to the Code of Good Employment.

This announcement marks the start of the inaugural Good Employment Week which runs from 15 – 22 November 2018.

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