Equine Welfare & Integrity Officer (EWIO)- Newmarket

ROLE PURPOSE: To maintain the highest standards of racehorse welfare and ensure the integrity of British Horseracing.

Departments- Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Raceday

• Horse Health and Welfare

o Monitor racehorses for signs of infectious or contagious disease, lameness or injury and inform the Veterinary Officer of any concerns.

o Be aware of the principles of good horse management and ensure racehorses are cared for appropriately.

o Monitor stable yard facilities and report any concerns to the stable manager or Veterinary Officer.

o Provide assistance to racecourse veterinary surgeons or Veterinary Officers if required (for example, restraining horses).

• Racecourse Stable Yard Security

o Control and record all admissions to the Stable Yard.

o Identify all horses entering the Stable Yard using microchip scanning and occasionally passport verification reporting any anomalies to the Veterinary Officer.

o Ensure passport protocol, processes and checks are followed where necessary.

o Perform patrols of the Stable Yard to ensure the safety and security of the horses.

o To operate the CCTV installed at the Stable Yard.

o Uphold the rules of racing with respect to the presence of substances or equipment within the stable yard.

o Report information and intelligence that may be of use to both the Equine and Integrity Departments.

o Undertake occasional night shift security responsibilities.

• Sampling Unit

o Prepare the Sampling Unit for sampling procedures ensuring that the Unit meets the requirements of the BHAGIs, especially with regard to hygiene and cleanliness.

o Undertake post-race sampling of horses as advised by the Veterinary Officer ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures are strictly complied with.

o Undertake sampling of horses after stalls tests as required.

o Assist Veterinary Officers with any post-race sampling of horses.

• General

o Act positively on behalf of and be supportive of the British Horseracing Authority.

o Proactively contribute ideas and suggestions to improve the work and performance of the EWIO department.

Non-raceday

• Attend out-of-competition visits at licensed or unlicensed premises to collect or assist in obtaining samples for anti-doping or medication control.

• Attend team meetings.

• Assist the VOs with the sampling of horses at selected Point to Point meetings.

• Assist with the identification of horses on welfare inspections.

• Provide feedback to Integrity Services on hearing any information which may be of value from an intelligence perspective.

Other duties:

Centre for Racehorse Studies (CRS)

• You may be required to train to assist the BHA’s work at the CRS and undertake any associated tasks.

Projects

• To assist and have involvement in projects and pilots as and when required. As the needs of the business change rapidly this role will change accordingly, therefore this document should be viewed as guidelines which are subject to change.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Education

• Educational qualifications suitable to fulfil the role’s requirements.

Experience Required

• Relevant experience with horses, and competent in thoroughbred horse handling skills.

• Understanding of British Horseracing.

• Experience of working with sensitive and highly confidential information.

• Basic computer literacy including email and Word.

• Experience of writing basic reports.

Particular skills required

• Fully conversant with the relevant BHA Rules (of Racing) and Instructions that relate to equine welfare and integrity.

• Thorough and methodical, with the ability to strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures.

• Demonstrable personal integrity and understanding of handling information of a confidential nature.

• Specific interest in Thoroughbred Racing.

• Type of person required

• Team player, recognising the importance of a cohesive and responsive team within the EWIOs and the wider BHA.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently.

• Conscientious with initiative.

• Adaptable to changing requirements and short deadlines.

• Reliable .

• Professional appearance when representing the BHA.

• Diplomatic, tactful and controlled in difficult situations.

• Keen to learn and develop professionally.

Special circumstances

• Full, valid driving licence – preferably clean.

• Travel to all British Racecourses (usually with a regional focus).

• Travel to the Centre for Racehorse Studies in Newmarket.

• Stay away for several days if necessary, for major meetings and operations.

• It may be necessary to prepare work outside of the normal working day.

• The nature of horseracing dictates that duties will be performed during weekdays, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

• Able to undertake night shifts as necessary