The premier League Launches Fes

The Premier League has launched the Fan Engagement Standard (FES), a series of league-wide measures designed to ‘reinforce the clubs’ commitment to ensuring long-term meaningful engagement with supporters.’

The 20 Premier League clubs initially endorsed the development of the FES at the Premier League AGM in June 2022 and it is now being officially rolled out.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters, said, “Supporters have always been the lifeblood of football and Premier League fans are known around the world for their passion and enthusiasm.”

“Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next step in enhancing these collective efforts. There is no doubt they are essential to the ongoing success of the game, so I am delighted to introduce the new Fan Engagement Standard.

“It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands, but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs. The Standard puts structures in place to establish consistency across the league and improve transparency.

“Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next step in enhancing these collective efforts. It builds on existing work and is integral to ensuring fan consultation and regular dialogue is embedded across all policies and practices.”

The FES will measure the work of clubs and fans and aim ‘to promote collaboration and the sharing of good practice.’ This will be achieved through the introduction of a framework which clubs will follow when designing and implementing their own individual approaches to fan engagement.

In the coming days each club will publish an update on its own work to date on the FES. This will set out its own approach to key areas, including the establishment of a Fan Advisory Board. 

Prior to the start of 2023/24 season, all clubs will publish a ‘Fan Engagement Plan’, setting out their own approach to FES activity throughout the season. The strategy at each club will be led by a nominated board-level official to oversee fan engagement and the operation of the Fan Advisory Board.

The league will work with clubs to evaluate the outputs of the FES and to promote good practice among club staff and fan group representatives.

In the long-term, the league will also work with clubs and other stakeholders to ensure the FES framework continues to reflect good practice, incorporating elements such as training courses and linking with other league initiatives including the Fans Fund.

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