Code of conduct
Introduction
The HWPA Code of Conduct complements the industry-wide code due to be introduced by the BHA in 2022 and endorsed by the wider stakeholder groups in British Racing.
Firstly, the code sets out to ensure a welcoming, safe environment in which all can work alongside one another. Working in the horseracing Media is an incredibly rewarding profession and we are keen to maintain the well-being of current professionals whilst welcoming and developing new talent.
We encourage and welcome all individuals who wish to join our ranks, and respect the status and viewpoints of all comers, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Secondly, the code explains what members of the Media can expect from the HWPA when issues arise. In short, members will be listened to and receive appropriate support and advice in strict confidence.
Most disputes or issues can be resolved amicably, but when this does not happen or is not appropriate, referral on, or escalation will take place. The code explains how this works.
The HWPA looks to encourage members to speak up and challenge behaviour that is unacceptable. But members will only feel able to do that if they know that the HWPA supports them in that, confident that what they say will be listened to and acted on. This document is intended to give that specific assurance.
This Code applies to all professional Media working on a racecourse, whether members of the HWPA or not.
It is endorsed both by the Racecourse Association (RCA), the representative body of all 59 British racecourses and guardians of the national media racecourse accreditation, and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the body responsible for the governance, administration and regulation of horseracing and the wider horseracing industry in Britain.
While this document focuses on the racecourse as the main place of work, the standards put forward are expected equally in other environments in which members of the horseracing Media operate.
It should also be noted that a condition of accreditation from the RCA includes behavioural standards (section one, paragraph 1.4). This relates to behaving at all times in an appropriate manner and show respect to fellow colleagues, racecourse staff and racegoers whilst on a racecourse.
The Press Room
The HWPA Code of Conduct complements the industry-wide code due to be introduced by the BHA in 2022 and endorsed by the wider stakeholder groups in British Racing.
Firstly, the code sets out to ensure a welcoming, safe environment in which all can work alongside one another. Working in the horseracing Media is an incredibly rewarding profession and we are keen to maintain the well-being of current professionals whilst welcoming and developing new talent.
We encourage and welcome all individuals who wish to join our ranks, and respect the status and viewpoints of all comers, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Secondly, the code explains what members of the Media can expect from the HWPA when issues arise. In short, members will be listened to and receive appropriate support and advice in strict confidence.
Most disputes or issues can be resolved amicably, but when this does not happen or is not appropriate, referral on, or escalation will take place. The code explains how this works.
The HWPA looks to encourage members to speak up and challenge behaviour that is unacceptable. But members will only feel able to do that if they know that the HWPA supports them in that, confident that what they say will be listened to and acted on. This document is intended to give that specific assurance.
This Code applies to all professional Media working on a racecourse, whether members of the HWPA or not.
It is endorsed both by the Racecourse Association (RCA), the representative body of all 59 British racecourses and guardians of the national media racecourse accreditation, and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the body responsible for the governance, administration and regulation of horseracing and the wider horseracing industry in Britain.
While this document focuses on the racecourse as the main place of work, the standards put forward are expected equally in other environments in which members of the horseracing Media operate.
It should also be noted that a condition of accreditation from the RCA includes behavioural standards (section one, paragraph 1.4). This relates to behaving at all times in an appropriate manner and show respect to fellow colleagues, racecourse staff and racegoers whilst on a racecourse.
The Role of The HWPA & Reporting Structure
The HWPA is the representative body of professional horseracing Media. It is a membership body with an elected Committee which represents the views of a cross-section of Media, including writers, photographers and broadcasters. The HWPA can offer support and mediation when required. It is not, however, a disciplinary body and cannot deal with criminal offences, which are a matter for the Police and potentially the Courts. Similarly the HWPA cannot discipline individuals who breach the terms of their accreditation.
The HWPA will listen, in absolute confidence, to any individual that wishes to report any concerning behaviour or misconduct. The elected HWPA Committee will ensure that systems are in place to protect whistleblowers and that any complaints which require escalation will be passed on to the appropriate bodies.
Each racecourse will have a nominated HWPA representative who is the point of contact for Media professionals on site. Any concerns and reports should in first instance be made to this individual. In some instances it may be more appropriate or easier to contact another HWPA Committee member. The current list of HWPA racecourse representatives is attached.
It is clearly important for any misconduct to be communicated to the HWPA promptly in order that appropriate action can be taken.
It is to be hoped that the majority of concerns can be handled amicably. Escalation for more serious cases involves reporting to the individual racecourse and the RCA, with extreme cases being referred to the BHA or police constabulary.
The reporting structure for professional Media is as follows:
- Report to the HWPA, firstly the course representative or another appropriate Committee member.
- Report to racecourse media executive/general manager
- Passed to RCA
- Passed to BHA
- Passed to police constabulary
We all need to be able to speak up and challenge when something is wrong and to feel able to do so.
Whilst the HWPA vigorously encourages respect and courtesy in the workplace, it is the responsibility of every one of us to play our part in upholding professional standards.
The Code of Conduct
Protect and respect the dignity of others on the racecourse, ensuring the highest levels of professional conduct are upheld.
Be considerate and respectful of all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Use our position of influence within the horseracing Media to uphold the integrity of the sport and in no way bring it into disrepute.
Ensure the sport of horseracing is safe for all, and free of any form of coercive control, bullying and harassment, threatening behaviour, intimidation, blackmail, physical abuse and/or aggressive verbal abuse. This includes eliminating inappropriate and gross sexualised language, and the use of aggressive, foul language.
Not engage in any form of sexual misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to: unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexual exploitation, verbal sexual assault, intentional sexual contact without consent, including pressing, deliberate exposure and voyeurism. This includes the criminal offence of upskirting, and the sharing of any such illegally gained images, which will be reported to the police.
Also included is recording or photographing private sexual activity without consent and distributing or further spreading recordings or images of a sexual nature taken without consent to that distribution.
Maintain our high standards of behaviour in both physical and digital settings. Social media and online spaces (including messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter etc.) or any form of communication, electronic or otherwise, must not be used as a tool to bully, harass, insult, humiliate or hurt another. This includes the sharing of pornographic, sexually violent and misogynistic or homophobic content, whether or not disguised in the form of jokes or banter.
Treat racing’s participants with courtesy and respect at all times on the racecourse and in digital settings. This includes not taking advantage of those in a vulnerable position whether due to youth, a physical or intellectual disability, poor mental health, financial difficulties, a language barrier, relocation, inexperience, isolation or any other reason.
Treat positions of responsibility with the respect they deserve and not abuse said responsibility.