Autism in Racing Collaborates with BHA on Shared Social ImpactVision

Autism in Racing CIC recently met with Tom Baker, Head of Social Impact at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), at Nottingham Racecourse to discuss the strategic alignment between AIR's mission and BHA's new Social Impact Strategy for 2026-2028. The midday meeting brought together Bobby Beevers (AIR Founder), along with team members Selina Carter and Sneha Kute from marketing and fundraising, to explore how AIR's pioneering work in inclusion can contribute to shaping the future of British horseracing.

The discussion centered on the social impact value that organisations like AIR bring to the industry and how this translates into meaningful community outcomes. Tom commended AIR's Mentoring Programme for already supporting many neurodiverse individuals in securing racing employment. He stated that this achievement directly aligns with BHA's broader commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. He also particularly highlighted AIR's active efforts in making British horseracing more welcoming to autistic individuals and their families through autism-friendly race days and sensory room initiatives.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on often-overlooked social challenges. These include loneliness and community building. AIR creates inclusive spaces and fosters confidence through racing. This experience positions AIR as a valuable voice in developing interventions. Baker emphasised building community spirit. He also stressed creating pathways where individuals feel genuinely welcomed and supported.

Baker encouraged AIR to leverage the BHA's new social impact value frameworks to more strategically document and share their learnings and experiences. This would enable AIR's evidence-based approach to inform the wider industry's understanding of what truly works in driving social change. As BHA develops its action plan through 2028, partnerships with organisations like AIR will prove essential in ensuring that horseracing remains a force for positive community engagement. The meeting reinforced AIR's vital role in British racing's evolution by demonstrating that inclusion and social impact are not peripheral concerns, but central to the sport's long-term relevance and success.

The meeting reinforced AIR's vital role in British racing's evolution by demonstrating that inclusion and social impact are not peripheral concerns, but central to the sport's long-term relevance and success.