The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has secured a prestigious Gold Award in recognition of the organisation’s sustained support for the British Armed Forces community.

Gold status is the highest accolade available as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

It is granted by the UK Government to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to those who serve and have served, including veterans, reservists and their families.

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The BHA’s gold standard approach recognises the added value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the workplace and the importance of taking positive steps to enable them to excel in their roles.

The organisation has introduced a range of measures as part of this commitment to the Armed Forces community, including bespoke advice and assistance programmes, flexible employment policies, additional leave to assist with training and deployment and a forces-friendly approach to recruitment.

The awarding of gold status builds on the BHA’s proud and long-standing connection with the British Armed Forces, which was formalised in October 2022 when the organisation signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Commenting on the achievement, BHA Director of Legal, Governance and Business partners, Catherine Beloff, said: “We are immensely proud that less than two years after signing the Armed Forces Covenant we have achieved the highest accolade awarded by the Employer Recognition Scheme. Securing a Gold Award is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to our collective efforts to strengthen the BHA’s valued relationship with the Armed Forces community.

“The BHA is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our colleagues and will continue to ensure that our employment policies recognise and reflect the unique skills, knowledge and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families can bring to the organisation.”

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BHA Handicapper and Reservist, Corporal Rachel Brierley-Ambrose – who has been instrumental in spearheading the organisation’s efforts in this area – said: “I am delighted that the BHA has been awarded Gold as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme for the organisation’s continued support for the Armed Forces community. It is a brilliant achievement and shows that the organisation values the contribution of military personnel working in the BHA and across British racing.

“Joining the Armed Forces Reserves was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It has allowed me to develop a variety of skills and meet a diverse group of people.

“I hope that through achieving the Gold award, the BHA can continue to promote the employment of reservists, veterans, cadet forces, adult volunteers and family members of persons serving in the military, and highlight the multitude of benefits they bring to an organisation.”