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25 Apr 2025
The Racing Foundation has funded a one-year programme to pilot drug and alcohol testing, education and support in training yards and studs, led by the National Trainers Federation (NTF) in collaboration with the National Association of Racing Staff and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.
The aim of the new scheme is to ensure employers are providing a safe environment for their staff and horses, minimising any risk of cross contamination, whilst also providing support, education and advice on substance misuse for their employees.
After an extensive tender process, Positive Matters was identified as the exclusive supplier for the scheme. Their prevention first approach, combined with testing when appropriate, not only mitigates safety risks within the workplace, but supports the health and wellbeing of employees.
NTF Chief Executive, Paul Johnson said: “We are delighted to have been able to agree this partnership with Positive Matters, who impressed us throughout the tender process.
“This will offer NTF members who wish to implement testing a full, ready to implement strategy, that is tailored specifically to our industry, at a significantly discounted cost thanks to the support of the Racing Foundation.
“We firmly believe that this service can bring wide-ranging benefits to trainers and their staff, enhancing safety and wellbeing whilst reducing the risk of cross- contamination.
He added: “We encourage NTF members to take advantage of the generous funding available and register their interest at the earliest opportunity.”
The package, which is heavily subsidised for NTF and TBA member organisations, includes support with implementing the policy, operating procedures with guidance to ensure fair and consistent application of the policy, substance misuse training for all staff, a program of drug and alcohol testing, support for anyone who is experiencing drug, alcohol or gambling dependency issues, an alternative to dismissal for staff who fail a drug or alcohol test (qualifying criteria applies), as well as on-going support from industry experts when required.
The scheme is exclusively available to members of the NTF and Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and a more detailed breakdown of how it will work in practice is available HERE.
NTF and TBA members can register their interest HERE and will receive a callback to assist with sign up. The policy is available now and the remainder of the package will be available for staff from Monday 12th May 2025. There is limited funding available, and it will be provided on a first come, first served basis.