Sexual Harassment Legislation Changes – What It Means for Motorsport UK and Our Sport
The UK has introduced significant changes to sexual harassment legislation, including a legal duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This duty came into force on 26th October 2024 as part of the Worker Protection 2023. The updated legislation aims to strengthen workplace safety and foster more inclusive environments.
While volunteers are not always covered in the same way as paid employees under employment law, clubs and organisations such as Motorsport UK are strongly encouraged to apply the same standards to everyone involved in the sport. This includes coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and volunteers.
Motorsport relies on a large and dedicated volunteer community, with marshals playing a particularly important role. They not only help events run safely and effectively but also contribute significantly to maintaining a culture that is respectful, welcoming, and supportive for everyone involved in our sport.
All volunteers should treat others with dignity and respect, challenge inappropriate behaviour where appropriate, and report concerns promptly. This includes avoiding sexual jokes or comments, unwanted physical contact, inappropriate messages, or dismissing concerns as “banter”.
Creating a safer and inclusive sporting environment is a shared responsibility and remains central to effective safeguarding and participant welfare.
Race with Respect
Motorsport is powered by people – competitors, volunteers, marshals and officials who volunteer their time every day. Race with Respect is our shared commitment to creating positive, welcoming environment where everyone in motorsport is treated fairly and with respect.
Through the Race with Respect code of conduct, Motorsport UK works with the community to promote good behaviour across the sport, whether that be at an event or online. Race with Respect is about setting a clear standard of behaviours and expectations to ensure motorsport remains a place where people feel they are supported and like they belong.
Everyone involved in a Motorsport UK event has a part to play in creating a positive culture; by taking part in whatever capacity, you agree to uphold the following values:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Fair Play
- Self-Control
- Good Manners
We all share responsibility for maintaining high standards of behaviour. If you witness behaviour that falls short of the Respect Code, we encourage you to speak up.
Safeguarding Training – Introduction to Safeguarding in Motorsport
As of 2026, we have launched a revised safeguarding training course, titled Introduction to Safeguarding in Motorsport. These sessions are open to all Marshals, Volunteers and Officials and aim to provide the knowledge and awareness to recognise, respond and report safeguarding concerns. This training forms part of our ongoing commitment to ensure a safer environment for our motorsport community, spreading awareness and understanding that will help to foster a positive culture.
The new training course will take place online via Microsoft Teams, facilitated by one our Motorsport UK Safeguarding Trainers and a member of the Safeguarding Team. All sessions are interactive and focus on safeguarding within a motorsport context, highlighting common concerns and scenarios that could arise.
You can find more information or sign up for an upcoming course by clicking here.