Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity

Horseracing in Ireland is a €2.5 billion industry that supports more than 30,000 jobs. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the Regulatory Body for Irish horseracing, based in The Curragh, Co Kildare. The IHRB is responsible for assuring public trust in Irish horseracing and safeguarding its reputation through robust and transparent regulatory practices, implemented with uncompromising integrity by a focused and professional team. Our Statement of Strategy 2024-2027 includes a commitment to excellence through agility and continuous improvement of rules, structures and processes.

A new opportunity now exists for a Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. This is an important new role which is key to the delivery of the IHRB’s strategic objectives, and which will be responsible for managing and improving the IHRB’s horseracing integrity, disciplinary and compliance functions with oversight of investigations as well as the case management of matters which go before our racing disciplinary panels, the Referrals Committee and Appeals Body.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities will include:

• Management of Referrals and Appeals to ensure robust and efficient case management including preparation of cases, establishment of hearing panels and presentation of disciplinary cases;
• Development and management of disciplinary team (including administration);
• Drafting and implementing best practice procedural rules for disciplinary matters involving licensees, including bringing enhanced transparency to proceedings;
• Developing and implementing robust investigation processes and policies, and effective tasking of investigations ;
• Design and implementation of training programmes for Disciplinary Panels to ensure consistent, proportionate and impartial enforcement of rules and imposition of sanctions;
• Working with the Chief Veterinary Officer to ensure effective and efficient enforcement of the IHRB equine welfare and anti-doping programmes;
• Liaising as appropriate with Head of Governance and Legal on organisational legal strategy and policies;
• Secretary to the Compliance and Regulations Committee;
• Leading and overseeing a comprehensive review and revision of the Rules of Racing;
• Drafting of Rule changes in response to specific circumstances including alignment of Irish Rules of Racing with International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering;
• Liaison with and instruction of third-party legal service providers as required;
• Service contract management in relation to outsourced racecourse CCTV system;
• Preparation of relevant memos and reports for CEO and Board; and
• Other related duties assigned by the CEO.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Legally qualified with at least 5 years’ post qualification experience as a barrister or solicitor;
• Experience of professional regulatory / disciplinary processes and hearings;
• An effective team player with proven evidence of leadership and capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of colleagues and stakeholders;
• Solutions-focused and courageous, displaying the highest standards of integrity, discretion and diplomacy;
• Meticulous attention to detail, expert prioritisation and organisational skills with high quality work output;
• Ability to work independently, to take ownership of processes and projects, and to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast paced work environment; and
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and general office technology
• Prior knowledge of racing and/or sports regulation desirable but not essential.

The position will be based at the IHRB Offices in the Curragh with an element of remote working in line with our policy, although travel may be required within Ireland and further afield on occasion. The initial remuneration package will reflect the responsibilities of the position and experience of applicants and salary will be aligned with the Principal Officer scale. The initial contract will be for a two-year fixed period and subject to review.

If you are interested in the position, please submit a comprehensive CV and a covering letter clearly setting out why you should be considered and what you would bring to the role. Applications by post or email to: [email protected]. Informal enquiries to [email protected]. Closing date for applications Monday 25 March 2024.

IHRB is an equal opportunities employer