Clubs Commit To New FA Football Leadership Diversity Code
The FA has unveiled a new Football Leadership Diversity Code in a bid to drive diversity and inclusion across English football.
More than 40 clubs across the Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have signed up to the code, which will see each of the organisations commit to tackling inequality across senior leadership positions, broader team operations and coaching roles.
19 of the 20 Premier League clubs, as well as a majority of Championship clubs and women’s teams not affiliated to those clubs already signed up have committed to adhering to the code, which The FA says has been developed in collaboration with club executives, players, coaches, HR directors, media and leaders across the game to ensure English football better represents our modern and diverse society.
The only top-flight club not to sign up is Southampton, who say they are the only Premier League club to attain the league’s Advanced Equality Standard, and want more time to consider the FA’s Diversity Code before signing up.
The targets for clubs will aim to see 15% of new hires in senior leadership and team operations roles coming from Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage, while 30% of new hires will be female. Clubs, however, can set targets based on local demographics.
There are also coaching targets for clubs, which will differ with regard to men’s and women’s teams. 25% of new coaching hires will need to be Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage, in the men’s game, including 10% of all senior hires. In the women’s game, 50% of new hires will be female, with 15% of those new hires being Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage.
The code also stipulates that interview shortlists must have at least one male and one female Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage candidate, if applicants meeting the job specifications apply.
“Many clubs are already doing good work in this area and we’ve been pleased to see football stand together this year to challenge the injustice we are seeing in society,” said Paul Elliott, Chair Inclusion Advisory Board, The FA.
“However, positive and tangible action is required to drive change and take the next step. We believe the introduction of the Football Leadership Diversity Code will signal a long-term change for the English game. The number and stature of clubs that have already agreed to join us on this journey proves that together, with clear goals, transparency and a desire for action, we can shape a better future together. We hope more clubs join us as we move forward.”
According to The FA, the code focuses on increasing equality of opportunity with hiring targets rather than quotas, which it says is to encourage recruitment from across society.
