BHA given gold standard award for its role in supporting the British armed forces

The BHA has been recognised for its role in supporting the British armed forces community with a gold standard award.

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.

The BHA, which has a longstanding connection with the British armed forces, has actively acknowledged 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.

It has introduced a range of measures as part of this commitment to the armed forces community. They include bespoke advice and assistance programmes, flexible employment policies, additional leave to assist with training and deployment, and a forces-friendly approach to recruitment.

Commenting on the award, Catherine Beloff, BHA director of legal, governance and business partners, said: “We're 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 our employment policies recognise and reflect the unique skills, knowledge and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families can bring to the organisation."

Corporal Rachel Brierley-Ambrose, BHA handicapper and reservist, has been instrumental in spearheading the efforts in this area.

She said: "I'm delighted 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's a brilliant achievement and shows 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."

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