As a member of BETA ENFAR you are committing to adhere to this Code of Best Practice. It is imperative that you act professionally at all times in order to ensure others respect the profession of equine nutritionist. As a member of BETA ENFAR you are expected to:

1. Prioritise equine health and welfare

• Regardless of any commercial considerations, the health and welfare of the equine should always remain your priority. This means being prepared to raise concerns about an animal’s welfare to the relevant organisations.
• Be mindful of social acceptance of equestrianism and ensure that the advice you give cannot be construed as exploiting or compromising the health or welfare of an animal for personal or commercial gain for you or your customers and clients.
• If you feel your employer, colleagues or others are asking you to breach the ENFAR Code of Best Practice you should contact the organising committee via the BETA office for guidance.

2. Practice professionally

• It is vital to understand the limits of your knowledge and experience and know when to seek opinions and advice from other professionals or more experienced nutritionists. Experienced nutritionists are available to provide support and guidance confidentially through ENFAR.
• It is important to communicate appropriately and collaborate with customers, colleagues, peers, clients and other professionals in a way that is respectful of other’s opinions. Remember there is often more than one right way to do things.
• Provide good customer service, endeavour to respond promptly and appropriately to relevant enquiries.
• Promote and represent BETA ENFAR in a positive way. Engage with other members in a collegiate manner and offer support to others.
• It is important not to bring the industry into disrepute – conducting yourself responsibly avoids undermining trust in the wider profession.
• Be honest and trustworthy in everything you do.
• Behave ethically, do not engage in bullying, harassment or other unethical or unprofessional behaviours.
• If a complaint is raised about you, the BETA ENFAR Registrations Committee will undertake to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. You must provide information to support that investigation as requested. Failure to cooperate with the investigation could result in an individual being removed from the register.

3. Operate legally

• You must not make illegal claims about feed and nutritional products and in particular never state or imply that a feed product can treat, cure or prevent disease (refer to BETA claims guidance).
• Respect and maintain customer and client confidentiality and ensure you are GDPR compliant.
• You must not state or imply that membership of BETA ENFAR is an indication that you have a superior level of knowledge or imply that BETA ENFAR membership is compulsory.
• Information provided to BETA ENFAR must be legal, honest, decent and truthful and you must be able to substantiate any statements you make about areas of expertise.
• Adhere to the highest applicable standards of health and safety appropriate to your business by complying with workplace health and safety laws, taking steps to mitigate risks as appropriate in your business, and prioritising the health and safety of the horse and rider/handler when working.
• You must have appropriate insurance cover either through your employer or as an independent nutritionist or adviser.

4. Expectations of knowledge and skills

A nutritionist that is a member of BETA ENFAR is expected to have the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the science of equine nutrition
• Knowledge and understanding of feed ingredients, pasture and forage and have a good understanding of the ingredient supply chain
• Knowledge and understanding of both social and behavioural aspects of feed and nutrition in both horses and those responsible for their care
• Understand how to apply the scientific principles of nutrition for the promotion of health and well-being of individuals, groups and populations; recognising potential benefits and risks
• The ability to apply scientific knowledge to be able to advise appropriately and articulate key points or findings relevant to the audience or interested parties
• A good ability to communicate clearly and effectively and recognise your own limitations and the need to refer to other allied-professionals
• Knowledge of analytical techniques.
• The interactions between ingredients, medicines and nutrition.

A feed adviser that is a member of BETA ENFAR is expected to have the following:

• Practical knowledge and understanding of the principles of feeding equines
• Awareness of commonly used feed materials and additives and their use
• An appreciation of the importance of taking a holistic approach to feeding and management
• Knowledge and understanding of different categories of feed and supplements and their use
• An ability to compare products and assess their suitability for different uses
• An understanding of how products should be correctly labelled and marketed
• Knowledge and understanding of social and behavioural aspects of feeding for both horses and those who care for them
• A good ability to communicate clearly and effectively and recognise your own limitations and the need to refer to other professionals
• An ability to obtain the relevant information from a horse owner to be able to advise effectively

5. Undertaking Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

It is essential that every member of the register keeps their knowledge up to date and remains open to improving their professional conduct. CPD is not just about scientific or practical knowledge, it is also about regularly reviewing one’s conduct and identifying how to improve other skills such as communication.

Maintaining your presence on ENFAR is a commitment to undertaking a set number of hours of CPD training and self-reflection every year and this should be viewed as a minimum not a target!

It is the responsibility of every member to undertake and maintain their CPD record.

Concerns & Complaints

The ENFAR Registrations Committee is responsible for both ensuring the credibility of the register and supporting its members. Anyone with a concern or complaint relating to a member of the register’s conduct should send comprehensive details outlining how the person’s conduct breaches the Code of Best Practice to the BETA office.

Any member of the register found not to be adhering to the ENFAR Code of Best Practice will normally be notified and given an opportunity to amend their conduct. In the case of repeated incidents or a failure to change their conduct, an individual may be removed from the register.

In cases where there has been substantive unethical or illegal behaviour, or where there is an imminent risk to the safety or welfare of horse(s), rider(s), handler(s) or another person or persons, the ENFAR Registrations Committee retains the right to remove an individual from the register without giving that person the normal notification and opportunity to amend their conduct.