Whilst Graham Locking's main job is as Chaplain to Horseracing, he also has an additional role at The British Racing School as Welfare Adviser.

This is a critically important role in supporting the trainees whilst they are at the School at what can be a very challenging time in their lives; for some it will be the first time they have lived away from home, they will be required to integrate with a group of people they may not have met before; they will probably be working harder than they have before. It is therefore vital that we support the trainees in adjusting to meet these challenges and Graham's involvement is critical.

Graham is therefore introduced to each new intake as part of their induction and regularly visits the School each week to ensure that trainees are aware of his involvement. This involvement centres on two main areas. The first is that he is available as an independent counsellor whom trainees can ask to see about any problem that they have or this option can be suggested to a trainee by the staff if it is thought this would help. Graham's considerable experience with young people is a great asset in helping to resolve any issues that arise.

The second main area in which Graham is involved is in carrying out an independent mid-course review with each course. The aim is to identify any general concerns or issues that the trainees have about their programme or the way in which they are being treated so that these can be addressed whilst each course is in residence. In doing so it hopefully demonstrates that their comments are taken seriously and where appropriate, will be acted upon. The benefit of involving Graham in this process is that the trainees can be confident that their comments will be honestly passed on to the Management Team and will not be swept under the carpet.

Hopefully in the wider context, this arrangement does mean that all those trainees who come through the School and then go into jobs in the industry are aware of Graham and the work that he does as Chaplain to Horseracing. Therefore, should they have any problem at a later stage, they know Graham and his ability to help them.