Kindred Group, through its Unibet and 32Red brands, is spearheading an initiative to support and empower parents in the racing industry. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by parents, particularly mothers, within the horseracing sector, Kindred Group has partnered with Women in Racing to launch the Racing Home project. This multifaceted endeavor aims to provide educational resources, expert guidance, and support networks to enable a positive work-life balance for parents in the industry.
Addressing Challenges:
The Racing Home project acknowledges the significant challenges encountered by parents, particularly mothers, in balancing professional responsibilities with parenthood within the racing industry. These challenges include limited access to resources, inadequate support systems, and a lack of comprehensive information regarding parental rights and entitlements.
Educational Online Portal:
Central to the Racing Home initiative is the launch of an educational online portal. This platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub, providing invaluable information on various aspects of parenthood within the racing industry. Topics covered include rights pertaining to pregnancy, maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, flexible working arrangements, self-employment, and statutory pay.
Expert Guidance:
In addition to the online portal, the Racing Home project offers expert guidance tailored to mothers returning to riding post-pregnancy. Recognizing the physical and emotional challenges associated with this transition, specialized support is provided to ensure a smooth reintegration into professional riding.
Podcast Series:
Complementing the educational resources is a series of podcasts hosted by equine vet and podcast producer, Naomi Mellor. These podcasts serve as a platform for insightful discussions on various topics related to parenthood and the racing industry. By featuring experts and sharing personal experiences, the podcasts aim to offer practical advice and foster a supportive community for parents.
Partnership with Women in Racing:
The collaboration between Kindred Group and Women in Racing underscores a shared commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting working parents within the racing industry. Through the Racing Home project, meaningful solutions are being developed to address the challenges identified through extensive research and engagement with industry stakeholders.
Impact and Sustainability:
Henrik Tjärnström, CEO of Kindred Group, emphasizes the alignment of the Racing Home project with the company’s sustainability strategy. By fostering a supportive work environment and promoting work-life balance, Kindred Group aims to enhance employee well-being and performance. The company’s ambition to achieve a 50:50 gender split in senior management further underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Positive Change:
Tallulah Lewis, Chair of Women in Racing, expresses pride in the collaborative efforts to launch the Racing Home initiative. Drawing on two years of research and engagement, the project represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by parents in the racing industry. By implementing meaningful initiatives, Women in Racing, in partnership with Kindred Group and industry stakeholders, aims to bring about positive change and improve the working lives of many.
The Racing Home initiative, led by Kindred Group in partnership with Women in Racing, represents a proactive step towards supporting and empowering parents within the racing industry. Through educational resources, expert guidance, and collaborative partnerships, the project seeks to address the challenges faced by parents, particularly mothers, and promote a positive work-life balance. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the Racing Home initiative aims to bring about meaningful change and enhance the well-being of individuals within the racing community.