The British Equestrian Federation and its member bodies are working to improve the lot of the volunteer workforce which is such a vital link across equestrian sport.

In March 2003, supported by Sport England who lead on the Volunteer Investment Programme (“VIP”) the BEF established a Volunteers Support Strategy Working Group to investigate what work needed to be done to support volunteers working in each of its member bodies.

A wide reaching survey was conducted across the BEF member bodies, area representatives/event organisers and volunteers themselves by means of a questionnaire which gave an excellent basis for the Strategy and helped identify a way forward. The resulting Strategy aims not only build on the good practice already in place but also to drive forwards improvements to the way in which volunteers are supported at all levels.

Helen Huggett, the BEF’s Executive Officer, said “There are very few equestrian activities that could function without volunteers. They are the backbone of the sport and we must identify ways to recruit and retain them and to show how valued they are. The Working Group hopes that this new Strategy will help all the Federation’s member bodies work towards that goal.

Comment is invited via info@bef.co.uk on the Strategy, and on the supporting Action Plan, which are now posted on the BEF Website for public consultation before they are finalised.

www.bef.co.uk

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