FA launch new code to increase diversity and inclusion in game
The Football Association has launched a new diversity code which aims to ensure more candidates from ethnic minorities can land top jobs.
The Football Association has launched a new diversity code which aims to ensure more candidates from ethnic minorities can land top jobs.
The Football Leadership Diversity Code will ask clubs to hit targets in coaching positions as well as senior management roles.
The code is voluntary, but so far 42 clubs from across the Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League and Women's Championship have signed up.
Former Chelsea and Celtic defender Paul Elliott, head of the FA's inclusion advisory board, believes the new code will boost diversity in the game.
He said: "Many clubs are already doing good work in this area and we have been pleased to see football stand together this year to challenge the injustice we are seeing in society.
"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 longterm change.
"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."
Clubs will have to commit to making 15% of new executive
Ex-football player Paul Elliott, head of the FA's inclusion advisory board, believes the new code will boost diversity in the game. Picture Getty Images
positions available to people from minority backgrounds.
There will also be targets for gender diversity with a plan for 30% of new appointments in senior leadership positions to be female candidates.
Women's football clubs will also have to commit to having 50% of female coaches.
At men's professional clubs 25% of new hires will be black, Asian or of mixed heritage.
Shortlists for interview will need to have at least one male and one female black, Asian or of mixed-heritage candidate, if applicants meeting the job specifications apply.
The code focuses on increasing equality of opportunity with hiring targets - rather than quotas - to encourage recruitment from across society with hiring based on merit.
Southampton were the on
ly Premier League club missing from the initial list of those signing up to the code, explaining their stance in a statement released to the PA news agency.
"In 2020 Southampton FC achieved the Premier League's Advanced Equality Standard at the first time of asking, the only club to have achieved this to date," it read.
"This achievement was the culmination of a five-year
Equality and Diversity journey, which includes setting and monitoring recruitment targets amongst a number of other E&D initiatives forming our action plan.
"At this time the club consider it most appropriate course of action to wait and understand how a revised Premier LeagueEqualityStandard and the Football Leadership Diversity Code will work together and complement each other before revising our recruitment targets and already established processes.”
ThePremierLeagueoffered its full backing to the new code and said it was already adhering to its guidelines.
Campaign group Kick It Out also welcomed the FA's initiative and said it would be closely monitoring football's progress in meeting its targets.