New code of conduct aims to help showing 'self-regulate'

The voluntary code sets out minimum standards and values for producers, along with best-practice advice

- BECKY MURRAY

IT IS hoped a new code of conduct will help provide "self-regulation" to the showing industry and set standards to aspire to.

The Showing Council has created the "code of conduct, standards and values" for producers, designed to help members recognise "the standards that should be considered" when engaging a producer/trainer for the production of a horse or pony or when training children.

The code sets out advice, expectations and minimum standards, such as ensuring insurance is in place, safeguarding procedures, requirements for operator licences when transporting, and terms and conditions that should be included in a producer or trainer's contracts.

The Showing Council's chair, Liz Inman, told H&H that as the council is not a governing body, the code is voluntary, for member bodies to "use should they wish", but that it is there to offer best practices advice.