British horseracing shields against whistleblowers

The British Horseracing Authority has updated and published its whistleblowing policy in order to protect sports integrity.

UK.- Sports integrity is a major concern within the sports betting segment, which is why regulators try to keep up with potential threats. That’s why the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published its updated whistleblowing policy, in order to protect the sport.

The BHA policy was already available to its staff, but has been released and is now open to anyone involved in the segment. The regulator expects them to report their concerns relating to the organisation or the actions or activities of its members.

Director of Legal and Governance at the BHA, Catherine Beloff, explained what pushed the update. She said “it is designed to protect those involved in horseracing or who come into contact with the BHA against potential wrongdoing.” Furthermore, she included the “case with the safeguarding policy launched in December,” as part of the regulator’s push.

The new policy for British horseracing lays out examples of wrongdoing to report. It includes criminal offences: fraud, misappropriation of funds and corrupt conduct by BHA officials, sharing inside-information or race-fixing.

“Whether you are a member of BHA staff, a participant or a member of the public, there is now a secure and defined method by which you can report any concerns relating to the running of the BHA or the conduct of its employees, which can also be anonymous if you wish,” Beloff added.

“It is also vital that as the governing body and regulator the BHA is accountable,” she explained. “This policy now allows anyone who is either involved in racing or comes into contact with the BHA at any level to report any potential concerns.”