We are delighted to confirm that we have been successful in obtaining the Preliminary level of the Equality Standard for Sport, building upon achieving the Foundation level in 2019.

The Equality Standard is a framework for assisting sports organisations to widen access and reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity from under represented individuals, groups and communities. It is based around two broad themes: developing the organisation and developing the services it provides.

The four levels of achievement are foundation, preliminary, intermediate and advanced.

 

The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport - Preliminary level

The areas of focus to achieve the standard are listed below:

• Collecting data to identify the Norfolk football demographic and identify areas of under-representation
• Development of an equality action plan that addresses the areas of under-representation
• Board members and staff within the organisation understand the general principles of equality and how it relates to their sport
• Identify inclusion training needs and provide training
• Review and develop recruitment practices and policies to ensure they seek to advance equality within the organisation
  
  

Senior Football Development Officer (Inclusion), Rachel Cossey commented: “Achieving the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport is something we are very proud of as an organisation. We strive to ensure that Norfolk Football is inclusive and representative of the communities that make-up our County; having achieved the next level of the standard we have proven our commitment to this.

“Having said this, we will be continuing our work in this area to ensure we make our organisation and our services as inclusive and diverse as possible.”

Norfolk FA Chief Executive, Gavin Lemmon added: “I am absolutely delighted for the County FA to be recognised for its work in ensuring that Norfolk Football is an inclusive game for everyone.

“This is still very much the beginning of the journey, for the Association and for Norfolk Football; our ambition being that this is a catalyst for further equality, diversity, and inclusion work to be developed in the seasons ahead.”