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News
Home /Grooms life/Bef launches good employment web hub

BEF launches Good Employment web hub

27th August 2024

British Equestrian has launched a brand-new ‘Good Employment’ website hub, created to provide essential advice and support for the equestrian workforce.

This resource has been designed as a guide for employers, employees, apprentices, and self-employed professionals, to help everyone within the equestrian sector understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Working with leading bodies such as the British Grooms Association's sister organisation, the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), British Equestrian will also be releasing a series of quick-read news articles to highlight key elements of creating a happy workplace where staff can grow and thrive.

 

"We have been working with the BEF for many months now regarding the pressing need to focus on Good Employment in our equestrian workplaces. The launch of this new web hub signals the beginning of the end of illegal and sub-standard employment practices in our industry.

It would be naïve to think that this web page alone will resolve the widespread issues that we still learn about daily. However, it is a marked change of pace, and together with strong advocacy from the BEF, the culture will change.

The EEA offers all the tools and guidance required to adhere to Good Employment. Membership is purposely priced to be affordable, and with over 4,000 contracts of employment produced using our bespoke online tools, they are proven to be fit for purpose.

Not only is it a legal requirement, but also a moral one to employ staff correctly. The days have now passed where an employer could successfully avoid paying at least  the National Minimum Wage , allocate the incorrect employment status, ignore insurance legislation, and not issue a written contract on, or before, the first day of employment.

Employers who do not pay the NMW run the risk of being named on the HMRC Naming List and this will be shared with the equestrian industry as it is released. The onus is on employers to manage their employment and HR practices correctly and the EEA is here to help you.

The ‘Good Employers’ are being undercut by the yard ‘up the road’ that operates their staffing fraudulently. This must stop as it is deeply damaging to our staff and the health of our equestrian businesses.

Integrity is critical.

As the momentum increases regarding our social license, the focus will narrow on the integrity of our equestrian businesses and riders. Compliance with Good Employment practices will be key to ensure that this integrity is upheld.

We look forward to working through the plans and advocacy vision of our industry becoming a place of only Good Employment with the BEF". Lucy Katan, Executive Director of the BGA.

 

With such a diverse range of career opportunities across the industry, whether it's working as a groom, coach, yard manager, or behind the scenes at a venue or organisation, British Equestrian are committed to ensuring everyone is well-informed to create a thriving workplace environment.

With the right employment practices in place, both employers and employees can enjoy the benefits of a productive and harmonious working relationship.

 

“Our equestrian workforce is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals so it’s our priority to ensure everyone is treated fairly and continues to enjoy working within our sector. By offering advice for every level of the workforce, we hope to encourage new members to join the equestrian community, helping to resolve lack of workforce issues demonstrated in recent research.” Lynne Bailey, British Equestrian’s Head of Governance and Integrity.

 

Following last year’s Health of Riding Establishments research, which found lack of workforce is a major factor in equestrian centre capacity issues, this new page has been created to serve as a valuable resource to promote good employment practices across the sector.

By fostering a positive and supportive work culture, employers can not only improve the overall well-being of staff but also encourage new members and retain current employees.

 

British Equestrian's first Good Employment article, compiled by Stephanie Bateman, looks at how to create a good workplace culture through correct employment and features EEA member Maggie Doel runs Reybridge Eventing who uses the EEA online tools, to help her manage her employees efficiently and legally.

 

Explore the new British Equestrian ‘Good Employment’ pages and learn more about building a strong workplace culture where staff are valued, respected and compliant.

Employers can gain essential, cost-effective advice, as well as bespoke equestrian online tools and resources from the Equestrian Employers Association. 

 

Why join the BGA

The British Grooms Association (BGA) is the organisation for all of those that work hands-on with horses.

Grooms have a demanding yet rewarding job and often they ignore all boundaries simply for the love of the horses in their care. 

This however doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be employed correctly and given opportunities to develop themselves and climb the career ladder.

The BGA was formed as an association for all grooms to be able to turn to for advice, guidance and information. In addition to employment advice there are lots of educational tools, discounts on products, advice on a wide range of equestrian related topics, and the chance to be part of a wider community. 

Take a look at membership options, starting from as little as £25.50 PER YEAR.

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What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO		  
YES
YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES
NO
NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES