British Horseracing Authority details new anti-corruption measures
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has unveiled a new set of measures that have been designed to help combat corruption in the sport.
Developed during the organisation’s Integrity Review, which began last summer, the recommendations fall into six categories, each of which addresses concerns over the BHA’s integrity processes.
The sport’s national governing body has recommended the establishment of a stakeholder integrity forum to act as an advisory group, thus forming a united front to help keep corruption out of racing.
The BHA has also called for improvements to be made to the investigation, case management and disciplinary process, with the organisation also set to develop a fast-track process to deal with minor or admitted offences outside of the full disciplinary process.
In addition, the BHA will formalise a new integrity strategy to both educate and protect the majority of participants who comply or are trying to comply with the rules.
The BHA also pledged to work closely with stakeholders to review the structure, composition and processes of the Disciplinary Panel, Licensing Committee and Appeal Board, as well improving how the media, racing and betting public, as well as the sport’s participants, are informed on what the BHA is doing to protect racing’s integrity.
Finally, the BHA will extend partnerships with other organisations in the betting industry, other racing jurisdictions, other sports and regulators to help boost its access to intelligence.
“British racing has a strong track record in investigating and taking action against individuals who seek to corrupt the sport,” independent regulatory director for the BHA, Sir Paul Stephenson, said.
“From my brief time within the Racing industry and from the people I have spoken to as part of this Review it has become clear to me that British racing is seen as a leader when it comes to managing sporting integrity.
“However, we do not have a divine right to this reputation, hence this review was instigated to ensure that British racing is doing all it can to maintain and improve this reputation.”
Adam Brickell, director of integrity, legal and risk for the BHA and the author of the review, added: “We are not complacent, and this review, far from revealing serious weaknesses in our approach, shows that we are open, transparent and committed to continuously improving in order to remain among the world’s leaders in sport integrity.
“We believe that the resultant recommendations, which include some notable, tangible improvements and additions to our procedures and policies, will set out a blueprint for how the BHA Integrity Team should work with the sport to continue to set standards for others to follow.”
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