Damning BEF report finds bullying at the top

Funding could be at risk, damning report has warned

IT HAS been described as a

“battle for the heart and soul of equestrianism”, caused by years of discord between the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and some of its member bodies (MBs).

When the BEF’s former chief executive Clare Salmon resigned in July 2017, making allegations of “bullying, self-interest, elitism and corruption”, the BEF commissioned an investigation.

The review panel has released its report, ruling that some MBs were guilty of bullying behaviour.

It states if its recommendations are not met by the end of this Olympic cycle, UK Sport and Sport England would be “entitled to suspend public funding”.

“The panel cannot emphasise enough that behaviours must change as to how the BEF is governed,” the report says.

“While at times the BEF and MBs may have demonstrated a united front publicly, the reality is that in practice, the founding members, in particular the Olympic disciplines, wielded real power over the BEF.

“As the accountable body to UK Sport, and the receiver of public funds, that imbalance of power cannot continue.”

The report states the key relationship issue between the BEF and MBs is the “lack of clarity and acceptance of the precise role of the BEF itself ”, which must now be addressed.

It describes how Ms Salmon had a “difficult relationship” with the CEOs of the founding members: British Dressage (BD), British Eventing (BE), British Showjumping (BS) and the

British Horse Society (BHS). She was brought in to effect change, with the deadline of October 2017 for the BEF to comply with a new UK Sport code of governance, on which its funding was dependent.

It describes a long-standing power struggle between the

BEF and the MBs, which as one contributor put it, “come together in their hatred of the BEF”.

The panel found no evidence of corruption. It found elitism in that the founding members dominated key decision-making, and the actions of the five MBs in the July meeting “could be viewed as being motivated by self-interest”.

The panel said Ms Salmon was “less diplomatic” than her predecessor and likely to upset some, adding that she was dubbed “Marmite” by certain individuals.

It also found Ms Salmon was “bullied” by the founder members and the Pony Club on 12 July 2017.

It says the founding members had key concerns, including a breakdown in communication and trust between themselves and the BEF, and they felt they had no choice but to act as they did.

“It was, as one contributor labelled it, a ‘battle for the heart and soul’ of equestrianism.”

A meeting on 12 July was “taken over” by the Olympic disciplines, and the founding members and Pony Club stated Ms Salmon should be removed or placed on garden leave. The next day, her position “untenable”, Ms Salmon resigned.

Afterwards, the report acknowledges, the atmosphere was “greatly improved”, and the panel “commended” the fact the BEF is implementing recommendations as to its role as an “enabler”. These were made last year by sport management consultant Portas, commissioned by the BEF.

The panel says the board and new CEO Nick Fellows must “grasp the nettle” and make the BEF’s role and relationships with MBs the priority.

STRONG WORDING

BE CEO David Holmes said some views expressed were too strong.

“From BE’s perspective, we’ve been working really well with the BEF,” he said, citing in

particular joint work on the Portas recommendations and to ensure compliance with the code of governance before the deadline.

Mr Holmes did not see addressing the issues by 2020 as a “major challenge”, adding that he feels a key issue is the strategic work carried out so far on the BEF’s role, and much of the “grasping the nettle” is done.

He said the member bodies must work together and with the BEF, which will benefit all concerned, and is happening.

On bullying, Mr Holmes said it was “difficult to comment”, without seeing all feedback, but “we don’t bully people” and he would be “very concerned” if there were bullying within BE.

On the causes of last July’s events, he said frustration over progress with the code of governance was key.

“I don’t think [the relationship was dysfunctional],” he added.

“From BE’s perspective, we wouldn’t have had the success we had last year if we hadn’t been working closely with the BEF.

“I think this can be dealt with. We’ve seen the recommendations and will crack on.

“There’s an urgency to get the strategic plan agreed so we all have our noses pointing in the same direction, for the greater good of equestrianism in the UK.”

FRUSTRATION

BS CEO Iain Graham agreed on the “frustration” over the code of governance, as funding was dependent on the changes.

He also praised the work undertaken by all MBs, under

the chairmanship of Badminton director Hugh Thomas, between July and October on the code.

He added that in becoming compliant, the MBs relinquished some power and control,

“The key is having the right people with the right skills in place to help move equestrianism forward,” Mr Graham told H&H. “Certainly with the changes, I think we’re in a strong position.

“[On funding] we understand UK Sport’s decision but hope with the changes to the constitution and leadership of the BEF, that won’t be an issue.”

Asked about the “hatred” of the BEF and the “dysfunctional relationship”, Mr Graham said he had “never seen any MBs display that sort of behaviour” in his 13 years with BEF MBs.

BEF interim chairman Ed Warner said: “I have been encouraged by the collaboration with member bodies, and their enthusiasm to work with [us]. This represents a fresh start and I am sure British equestrianism will be stronger for it.”

BD, BE, BS, the BHS and the Pony Club all supported the recommendations and a spokesman for each said they looked forward to working with the BEF on them.

BD CEO Jason Brautigam said “While it has been challenging, I am confident we are now in a strong position to move forward positively. [BD is] looking forward to a constructive and productive relationship with Nick Fellows, the new BEF chairman and the board for the benefit and development of equestrianism.”

The BHS said it “continues to support the BEF and work with all member bodies”, while the

Pony Club agreed the work on the governance code and other areas will “contribute to a strong future for our sport”.