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The British Horseracing Authority has been awarded a Gold Award for its sustained support of the British Armed Forces Community.
The highest award in the Employer Recognition Program of the Armed Forces Covenant is Gold.
The UK Government awards this award to employers that show a commitment to veterans, reservists, and their families.
The BHA’s Gold Standard Approach recognises that serving personnel and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, bring a lot of value to the workplace. It is important to take positive steps in order to help them excel.
As part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Community, the organisation has implemented a number of measures, including bespoke assistance and advice programmes, flexible employment policy, additional leave for training and deployment, and a force-friendly recruitment approach.
The BHA has a proud and longstanding relationship with the British Armed Forces. This connection was formalised by the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2022.
Catherine Beloff, Director of Legal, Governance and Business Partners at the BHA, commented on the achievement: “We’re immensely proud that, less than two year after signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we have achieved this highest accolade by the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Gold Award is an incredible achievement and testament to the BHA’s efforts to improve its relationship with the Armed Forces Community.
The BHA is committed in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment to all of our colleagues. We will continue to ensure our employment policies reflect and recognise the unique skills and knowledge that veterans, serving personnel and their families can bring to our organisation.
Corporal Rachel Brierley Ambrose, BHA Handicapper & Reservist – who spearheaded the organisation’s efforts in the area – stated: “I’m delighted that the BHA was awarded Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme as a result of the organization’s continued support to the Armed Forces Community. This is an amazing achievement that shows how much the BHA values the military personnel who work in British racing and the BHA.
Joining the Armed Forces Reserves has been one of my most rewarding decisions. I have been able to learn a wide range of skills and get to know a variety people.
“I hope to achieve the Gold Award, so that the BHA may continue to promote employment of reservists and veterans, as well as cadet forces and adult volunteers, along with family members and friends of those serving in the military. I also hope to highlight the many benefits these individuals bring to an organization.”
