FA launches Diversity Code to tackle inequality in football

The FA has announced the launch of a new Football Leadership Diversity Code to tackle inequality and drive diversity and inclusion across English football.  

With over 40 clubs across the Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship, the FA said it is “committed to tackle inequality across senior leadership positions, broader team operations and coaching roles”. The Diversity Code has been developed in collaboration with club executives, players, coaches, HR directors, media and leaders across the game to ensure English football better represents its modern and diverse society. 

Commenting on the new Diversity Code, FA CEO Mark Bullingham, stated: “I would like to thank the players, coaches, HR directors, media, league and club officials from across football who have contributed to the development of the Code. Together we have created commitments that will drive real change across the game. The Code will hold clubs, leagues and our own organisation to account and ensure opportunities for everyone to work at all levels in football. We remain deeply committed to doing everything we can to address inequality in all its forms and to deliver a game free from discrimination. Today is a really positive step forward.”

ACCOUNTABILITY & EQUALITY

Recognising that clubs and support structures off the pitch do not reflect the increasing gender and ethnic diversity seen on the pitch, the new Code aims to increase accountability and transparency. It will also ensure that the FA, key stakeholders and clubs across the men’s and women’s game commit to embedding greater diversity across senior leadership teams, team operations and coaching setups.

The Diversity Code focuses on increasing equality of opportunity with hiring targets – rather than quotas – to encourage recruitment from across society. Hiring will be based on merit, to find the best person for the job from diverse talent pipelines and the aim is to move away from recruitment practices focused on personal networks, which is a longstanding challenge across football and has limited the diversity in leadership across the game. It is viewed as a starting point towards greater diversity and, while focusing on gender and ethnicity now in reflection of the current player base, it will expand more broadly over time.

NEW HIRING TARGETS

By signing up to the Football Leadership Diversity Code, clubs pledge to create an equality, diversity and inclusion plan, which applies hiring targets while adopting specific recruitment principles. The new hiring diversity targets, which will become effective immediately, are as follows:

• For senior leadership and team operation roles, 15% of new hires are to be Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage, or a target set by the club based on local demographics. Approximately 30% of new hires should be female.

• For coaching roles in men’s professionals clubs, 25% of new hires are to be of Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage backgrounds. Additionally, 10% of new senior coaching hires to be Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage backgrounds.

• For coaching roles in women’s professional clubs, 50% of new hires are expected to be female. Additionally, 15% of new hires shou;d be of Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage background.

• Shortlists for interview will have at least one male and one female Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage candidate, if applicants meeting the job specifications apply.

FOUNDING SIGNATORIES

Many Premier League and multiple clubs from across the Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have already committed to embedding the Code within their own practices, confirmed the FA. While not mandatory, the FA is encouraging all clubs across the men’s and women’s games to sign up to the voluntary Code. A version following the same principles, which is adapted for the National League System and grassroots clubs, will follow in Spring 2021.

Clubs that have adopted the Code as founding signatories, include:

• Arsenal
• Aston Villa
• Blackburn Rovers
• Bolton Wanderers
• Brighton & Hove Albion
• Brentford
• Burnley
• Burton Albion
• Cambridge United
• Chelsea
• Coventry City
• Coventry United
• Crystal Palace
• Derby County
• Durham Women
• England
• Everton
• Fleetwood Town
• Fulham
• Ipswich Town
• Leeds United
• Leicester City
• Lewes
• Lincoln City
• Liverpool
• Manchester City
• Manchester United
• Newcastle United
• Norwich City
• Nottingham Forest
• Oxford United
• Plymouth Argyle
• Portsmouth
• Queens Park Rangers
• Sheffield United
• Stoke City
• Swansea City
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Watford
• West Ham United
• West Bromwich Albion
• Wolverhampton Wanderers

DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE

“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,” stated Paul Elliott, FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board Chair. “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.”

This announcement comes just a month after the FA appointed Edleen John as its new International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director, who sits on senior management team and reports directly to the CEO.

Click here for more information on the Diversity Code.