The English Football League (EFL) has launched its new Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy ‘Together’, which aims make to make the League and its Clubs more reflective and representative of the communities in which they serve.
In 2019, Burnley FC achieved Intermediate level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standard which sets out a series of requirements to support the development of policy and practice across all areas of our operation. ‘Together’ compliments the Burnley Football Club ethos of ‘One Club for All’ and our ongoing commitment towards promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion on and off the pitch; providing a framework for the EDI work of the EFL and its 72 Clubs for the next five years, the headline objectives of the strategy are:
· Ensure the workforce is representative and reflective of the communities its Clubs represent
· Improve the diversity of supporters attending EFL matches
· Continue to challenge discrimination and behaviour both in stands and across social media
· Establish a path for continual EDI development for Clubs
· Improve the understanding of EDI across the game
Working collaboratively is a key theme of the Together strategy and several of the partners that will help delivery over the next five years were present at a launch event at Charlton Athletic, including, Kick it Out, the Professional Footballers Association, Women in Football, Level Playing Field, Pride Sports, Fans For Diversity and Club representatives from Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City, Charlton Athletic and others.
Speaking at the launch, David McArdle, the EFL’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said:
“Today we launch the EFL’s Together strategy which will provide the League and its 72 Clubs a pathway for the next five years, to help make the EFL reflective of the diverse communities that they represent across England and Wales.
“While football has made strides, it continues to face challenges that are reflected across society and with over 20 million attending EFL matches each season and millions more watching around the world, the League will use its platform to challenge unwelcome behaviours and promote inclusive practices, to help drive change on the pitch, in Club offices, in the stands and within the communities which Clubs call home.
“Our aim is to provide everyone the same opportunity to succeed across the EFL, but we cannot do it alone, so we look forward to working collaboratively with Clubs and equality partners to improve our game, together”.
Together branding appears on the sleeve badges of all EFL shirts in the opening weekends of the season and will do for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
Burnley Football Club are One Club for All
Everyone has the right to Enjoy the Match Together in a safe and enjoyable environment. Burnley Football Club are ‘One Club for All’ and our stadium is subject to a no-tolerance policy which means:
We’re saying NO to:
· Discriminatory abuse which encompasses homophobia, sexism, disability, antisemitism, and racism
· Foul or abusive language
· Persistent standing
· Use of pyros and throwing objects
· Pitch incursions
· Drug use
Together, we can all Enjoy the Match.
CLARETS RESPECT
If you witness any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour, please ask for assistance from your nearest steward or matchday staff who will be pleased to help you in confidence.
You can also discreetly and anonymously report it by texting ‘CLARETS RESPECT’ followed by a brief description of your concern and the relevant seat numbers to 66777, we will then monitor the area or supporters you have pinpointed.
Burnley Football Club in addition to supporting the EFL's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy will be publishing their EDI strategy later this year.
You can download a full copy of the ‘Together’ strategy from here.