AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL EQUINE WORKFORCE

Lantra Sector Skills Council and the British Horse Society (BHS) cemented their commitment to the equine industry today (19 May), as they pledged to work together to develop a professional multi-skilled workforce in a formal agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) acknowledges the partnership between Lantra and the BHS and details an action plan to help the equine industry meet the challenges they may face, today and in the future, by boosting workforce development to ensure it has the skills it needs. Lantra’s Industry Partnership Manager, Amy Cosgrove, said: “Lantra is pleased to have signed this agreement with the BHS as it demonstrates our dedication to support those working with horses and ensure they are seen as professional and highly skilled. Through our joint working, we can encourage BHS members to ensure they have the right skills to face the demands placed on them, including equine health and welfare, responding to customers changing needs and embracing legislative requirements.” The agreement also highlights the commitment to shape qualifications and develop National Occupational Standards so they are completely up-to-date and relevant to employer needs. It also recognises the commitment to continue to review, promote and encourage sign up to Lantra’s equine research, which is vital in providing the industry with a strong evidence base on its skills needs. Together this will help improve businesses performance and productivity. BHS Director of Standards, Margaret Linington-Payne, added: “It’s important for us to collaborate with Lantra in supporting the training and skills development of those working within the equine industry and to maintain the profile of qualifications respected by the equestrian industry. This MoU builds on our existing work with Lantra and provides a sound basis for further activity.” Amy continued: “The MoU is a ‘milestone’, rather than an end point. The action plan will be reviewed continuously as industry ‘drivers’ such as legislation, priorities and initiatives develop over the coming years.” For more information about Lantra visit www.lantra.co.uk, call 0845 707 8007 or email connect@lantra.co.uk. For information about the BHS visit www.bhs.org.uk. ENDS Lantra Press Office: Tel: 02476 858 411 or 07824 865 970 or email England.media@lantra.co.uk Notes to Editor About Lantra Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscaping, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk. About the BHS The BHS is the largest equine membership organisation in the UK. With more than 71,000 members of core BHS and a further 34,000 members of affiliated Riding Club it gives us a powerful voice with Government. The Society works tirelessly for every horse, rider and carriage driver, focusing on horse welfare, horse and rider safety, access and rights of way, education and examinations, and working with the proprietors of riding schools, livery yards and trekking centres to maintain the highest standard. It represents the gold standard for the equestrian industry. We also work in partnership with many other organisations, not least the British Equestrian Federation, to promote the interests of all those who participate in equestrian activities.

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