Manchester City CEO, Alistair MacIntosh, receives preliminary Standard from Paul Elliott MBE
Professional Clubs working for equality
The Racial Equality Standard for Professional Football Clubs, which has been developed by Kick It Out with the support of the Premier League, sets out a series of graded measures for professional clubs.
The measures encourage clubs to deliver a range of objectives that ensure equalities policies are implemented in all areas of their operation, from stewarding to the recruitment of young players.
Increased understanding
Clubs achieving the standard are reporting back an increased understanding of diversity issues throughout the organization.
Kick It Out believes the Standard can play its part to help to overcome issues such as representation from ethnic minorities within administration positions at clubs.
All Premier League clubs are working to meet the first level of the Standard within the next year. Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Everton, Fulham, Manchester City as well as Notts County became the first clubs to achieve the Preliminary Level.
Find out who has achieved the Preliminary level here
Manchester City, Everton, Blackburn and Bolton have since gone on to achieve the Intermediate level.
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, said,
"We believe the Standard could provide the basis which would herald a new era in encouraging clubs to ensure that off the field of play equality of opportunity, inclusion and fair treatment are at the heart of what they do. This will require the determination, commitment and sustainability on the part of those people who run and manage clubs, if we are to achieve any meaningful change."
Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the FA Premier League, said,
"We all have a responsibility and a part to play in helping to put the Standard into practice. From the Premier League our message is simple; we are committed to succeeding in this area."
The number of clubs achieving the Standard is growing.
To download the Racial Equality Standard for Professional Clubs click here.
