Building a Diverse Leadership Team

Ballon Dor foster a leadership team that reflects the diversity of our local community. We believe this creates a stronger and more inclusive organisation.

Here's how we achieve this goal:

  • Representation Matters: We are actively working to ensure our leadership team reflects the demographics of our local community. This includes considering factors like gender, ethnicity, disability, and other underrepresented groups.
  • Equality of Opportunity: We believe everyone deserves a fair chance to contribute their talents. We promote equal opportunities for all in leadership roles.
  • Focus on Merit: We select leaders based on their qualifications and experience. However, we also actively seek to attract a diverse pool of talented candidates.
  • Monitoring Progress: We track the diversity of our leadership team across various protected characteristics. This information helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure we're on track to achieve our goals.

Developing Diverse Coaching Talent

We create a diverse coaching staff that reflects the makeup of our players. Here's how we achieve this:

  • Fostering Coaching Diversity: We actively support individuals from underrepresented groups and all age demographics who aspire to become coaches. We provide opportunities and resources to help them develop their coaching skills.
  • Open and Inclusive Selection: Our coach selection process is open and transparent. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds to join our coaching team.
  • Monitoring and Improvement: We track the diversity of our coaching staff and strive to ensure it reflects the diversity of our players. This ongoing monitoring helps us identify areas where we can improve and create a more inclusive coaching environment.

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Building an Inclusive Club Culture

We create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our club. Here's how we achieve this:

  • Equality Policy: We have a comprehensive Club Equality Policy that outlines our commitment to fairness, diversity, and inclusion. This policy is adopted by all members, players, and officials as a condition of membership and reviewed annually.
  • Diversity and Inclusion Training: We ensure all club officials participate in The FA's online equality, diversity, and inclusion training. This training is refreshed at regular intervals to keep everyone informed on best practices.
  • Ongoing Learning: We provide resources and signpost all members to The FA's online equality, diversity, and inclusion training each season. This allows everyone to continue learning and growing in this area.
  • Youth Voice: If we have youth teams or programs, we actively involve young people in our club through a youth committee or other suitable mechanisms. This allows them to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
  • Measuring Progress: We use The FA's annual club culture survey template to track our progress in fostering a positive and inclusive culture. This feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure we're on the right track.

By actively promoting inclusion, we can create a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in our club.

Creating Safe Spaces to Report Discrimination

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We take all reports of discrimination seriously. Here's how we encourage reporting:

  • Raising Awareness: We distribute information to all club members each season on how to report discrimination. This includes highlighting the importance of immediately notifying a match official of any incidents that occur on match days.
  • Reporting Options: We clearly communicate the various avenues for reporting discrimination. This includes reporting to the club, local County FA, Kick It Out, or The FA.
  • Zero Tolerance for Criminal Behavior: We acknowledge that some discriminatory abuse or behaviour may be a criminal offence. In such instances, we will be proactive and report them to the Police by calling 101.

Promoting Equality for All

We foster a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe these values are essential for creating a positive and welcoming environment for everyone. Here's how we raise awareness:

  • Supporting the FA's Initiatives: We actively utilise The FA's Diversity Code resources to promote our commitment and raise awareness within the club and wider community.
  • Building Partnerships: We strive to engage with local media and other organisations to publicise our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This helps us reach a broader audience and build a more inclusive sporting community.
  • Supporting Anti-Discrimination Efforts: We actively support campaigns led by The FA and other anti-discrimination bodies. By working together, we can create a lasting positive impact.

Resources and Tools Available:

To help you implement the Code effectively, we offer a range of resources:

  • Local Diversity Data: We can provide your local County FA with a breakdown of your area's diversity demographics. This can be used for comparison purposes and help tailor your efforts.
  • Recruitment Resources: We offer templates and guidance to assist with fair and inclusive recruitment practices.
  • Diversity Monitoring: We provide guidance on how to effectively monitor the diversity of your club's leadership, coaching staff, and membership.
  • Club Equality Policy Template: Get started with a customizable template for your Club Equality Policy, outlining your commitment to fairness and inclusion.
  • Online Training for Club Officials: Upskill your team with our accessible online diversity training modules. These modules are trackable via your FAN number, ensuring completion.
  • Internal Club Culture Survey: Measure your progress by utilising our template for an annual internal club culture survey.
  • Reporting Resources and Videos: Find clear and easy-to-understand resources and videos on reporting discrimination within your club.
  • Digital Promotional Materials: Leverage our digital Diversity Code promotional materials to raise awareness within your club and community.
  • Monitoring Mechanisms: We'll assist in establishing mechanisms to help you monitor your progress against the Code's measures. These will be aligned with existing League and Club accreditation processes.

Continuous Improvement:

The resources and support we offer will continue to evolve to ensure we're providing the most effective tools for implementing the Code.

Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on the following characteristics:

  • Gender
  • Ethnicity
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Religion or Belief
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership
  • Pregnancy and Maternity
  • Gender Reassignment