12 years - what have we achieved

Today, 12 years ago, we launched the BGA. Lucy Katan, our Executive Director, takes a moment to look back and forwards. 

It was a step into the unknown, but one that a small team of former grooms were bravely embarking on.

Sometimes, usually over a cuppa or glass of wine, I contemplate what difference we have made... 

Of course...there is none more so than when the phone rings and it is yet another groom who has been subjected to illegal employment conditions or bullying in the workplace. How can this still be happening in 2019?!

Or when...I see riders publicly thanking their grooms on social media for all their contributions.  

Or when...we hear from employers that they encourage all of their staff to be BGA members, to ensure they belong to their professional association and have adequate, affordable personal accident insurance.

Or when... adverts are seen which are demanding grooms who “work hard” “can bring a horse with” “might get training” and "will be able to pay to be there", have we actually made any difference at all I wonder?

I guess I am too close to it all, so I often listen to our members when they call up for a chat, about their views of the industry. Our members are at the heart of everything we do and have done over the years and we really do listen to ideas and views.

There is no question that the existence of the BGA has:

Given grooms their own home, and somewhere to actually pick up the phone to call.

Represented grooms and our workforce at the highest levels as we attend the BEF meetings (and we are vocal at them!)

Educated 1000’s of grooms, students and parents about what Good Employment is.

Raised the awareness of the National Minimum Wage in our industry. (The most recent survey told us that 97% were now aware)

Achieved a significant increase in media surrounding your work and skills. More more more of this is required- but when I was a British Team groom in 2004 there was not one article written about me. No one was interested. Now they are and that is key in raising the profile and recognition of your career.

Brought mental well-being into the conversation. Grooms Minds really is an excellent resource and through the robust survey results, we have proven unquestionably that poor employment often is a key factor to mental well-being challenges.

But. And it is a big BUT. Have we achieved the vision that we set out upon?

I am saddened to say no. (...not yet)

In the original business plans we anticipated that by now (12 years in) over a quarter of grooms would belong (10,000). We are only a fifth of the way towards that (very achievable) ambition. This is what confuses and saddens me.

One of the most important reasons to belong to a professional association is so that it can represent the professionals (grooms in this case).

There is also the real life fact, that the more members we have, the more we can do.

Membership is just £21.50 for the year. Yes, we know grooms don’t earn big salaries, but we have barely increased it over the 12 years. The cost of postage has gone up nearly 40% in this time period, and so we actually are making less than ever before.

But our aim is to get more members, which means that we can keep the cost down. I know what it is like to not earn a great deal, but I do honestly believe that if you care about your profession and having an organisation to belong to, then membership is affordable.

A groom working at Badminton this weekend said to me, "I didn't think it was for me. I thought it was for other grooms." 

A groom recently interviewed who works at a livery yard said to me, "I thought it was only for competition grooms." 

Let's be clear.... The BGA is for all grooms. 

Members range from 15 to 72 years old, and work in livery yards, for Olympic medallists, family yards with hairy ponies, and are either employed, freelancers, college students and in some cases a mum or dad!  

So what is it that stops you or your friends, colleagues belonging? 

How would you feel if we didn’t exist? Would it matter? Or are you pleased that we do.

I also ask myself, is it right/just/ok that the one fifth of grooms that have come and joined up, are supporting all of this excellent work and development for the remaining non members?

Please do something amazing today. Something that feels good and makes a difference to not just you, but all of those who work alongside you.

Come and join us at the BGA and belong to your professional association.
 

JOIN FOR JUST £21.50 TODAY