AFC Bournemouth receive Equality Standard award

AFC Bournemouth is one of 11 clubs to hold the Intermediate Award.

The club achieved the Preliminary Level of the Premier League Equality Standard in July 2016 and has worked continuously since then to progress equality and diversity and achieve the challenging Intermediate Level.

The Standard considers all areas of a club’s operations, including its role as an employer and the work of the Community Sports Trust.

In order to achieve the award, clubs are required to provide a substantial submission which illustrates that: 

• They are committed to achieving equality across all areas of operation
• They are aware of their current profile and position in terms of equality and its policies seek to advance equality
• The club and stadium are free from incidents of discrimination, abuse and harassment
• They can demonstrate that they are implementing and reviewing their Equality Action Plan and have collected updated profile data
• Their strategies, plans, programmes, activities and key policies consider the impact on people who share protected characteristics
• Equality is improved and developed at the club through consultation

The club’s submission was considered by an independent Assessor and the Premier League Equality Standard Panel made up of independent experts and chaired by Garth Crooks. 

Included in the highlights that were commended were: 

• The launch of Proud Cherries
• The Women and Girls’ programme and building the profile of the club’s women’s team
• Improvements and enhancements to Vitality Stadium, such as the Changing Places facility
• Equality training for staff
• The understanding of the value of working in consultation with supporters, outreach participants and the wider community

The club will now be working to achieve the coveted Advanced Level in Autumn 2019.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neil Blake, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the Intermediate Level of the Premier League Equality Standard.

“We know that embedding equality and creating a culture of inclusion is essential for the football club to work at its best. This has been a team effort and we’re pleased to have been formally recognised for our continued commitment to achieving this goal by the Premier League.”