Industry People Board to develop ambitious people strategy
The British racing industry has confirmed the membership of the Industry People Board, which will lead the development of a long-term strategy for its workforce. Initiated and funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and the Racing Foundation, the Board will be responsible for planning and delivering a people strategy across the industry, with a focus on recruitment, retention, development, and wellbeing. The move comes as part of a wider strategy being led by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
The Industry People Board will comprise eight members, recruited through an open and competitive process to provide a strong balance of knowledge, experience, and expertise. The Board members are:
- Rob Hezel, Chief Executive, The Racing Foundation
- Daniel Kübler, Racehorse Trainer, Kübler Racing
- George McGrath, Chief Executive, National Association of Racing Staff
- Neil Robertson, Chief Executive, National Skills Academy for Rail
- Tom Scudamore, former professional Jump jockey
- Helene Sharrock, Chief People Officer, The Jockey Club
- Julia Tyson, former Chief HR Officer, Lloyds of London
- Tallulah Wilson, Head of International Partnerships, UK Tote Group
The Board will be chaired by Neil Hayward, who brings more than 25 years of experience, including Board and Executive Team Leadership positions at High Speed Two Ltd, Post Office, BT, Ministry of Justice, Standard Chartered Bank, Gallaher Group, Serco Group, and Booker, as well as in the NHS and Higher and Further Education.
In addition to the eight members, Lucy Attwood has been appointed as the Board’s full-time Programme Director. Attwood joins from Godolphin, where she was Head of Human Resources and has a strong and demonstrable track record of planning and delivering people strategies for some major employers over her 10 years with the company.
The Industry People Board will develop an ambitious and deliverable people strategy that will bring together new and existing projects under one coordinated approach, underpinned and informed by extensive stakeholder involvement and engagement. The strategy will aim to support and drive important initiatives to ensure racing is an attractive, fulfilling, and enjoyable industry in which to work, with a focus on a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
Commenting on the Industry People Board appointments, Neil Hayward said: “The People Board has a critical role to play in planning and coordinating a bold, viable and sustainable plan to future-proof British racing’s workforce. Assembling a team of this quality is an important step in this process. Our aim was to attract a strong collective, with knowledge of and experience in the racing industry, together with deep understanding and expertise in key areas like human resources, diversity and inclusion, education and employment, and strategic leadership.”
Hayward also expressed his excitement about Lucy Attwood’s role as the Board’s Programme Director: “Lucy is a highly experienced HR professional who will be a big asset as we embark on this immensely challenging but also hugely exciting endeavor.”
The Industry People Board’s diverse membership comprises individuals with extensive experience in the racing industry, as well as in strategic leadership, education and employment, human resources, and other key areas. The Board’s goal is to develop a people strategy that will future-proof the British racing workforce, ensuring that racing remains an attractive, fulfilling, and enjoyable industry in which to work.
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