INCLUSION, EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT

At East Riding County Football Association we are committed to the principles of fairness, justice and equality of opportunity and promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.

This means that the working environment should be free from any forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or victimisation. All staff and volunteers should therefore be able to thrive and be the best version of themselves within their working and volunteering environments. We will not accept any form of discrimination and will ensure all individuals and groups associated with our organisation are treated equally and fairly.

In believing that football should be accessible for all members of the community we will endeavour to eradicate discrimination and to positively promote inclusion in our county across all protected characteristics. These are identified under the Equality Act 2010 as: Age, Disability, Sex, Religion and Belief, Race, Sexual Orientation, Gender Reassignment, Pregnancy and Maternity and Marriage and Civil Partnership.

This statement is applicable to all Directors of the Board, employees, volunteers, partner organisations and members of the football family who are involved with our organisation, at all levels.

The Board’s commitment to these ambitions is stated in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 and delivered operationally through the Diversity Inclusion Action Plan. Accountability for the delivery of these ambitions is made through the Inclusion Advisory Group which involves local partners and through regular updates provided to the Board.

These ambitions include a definitive commitment to representation in relation to sex and ethnicity across all aspects of the game including leadership and governance, refereeing, coaching, players and volunteers.

East Riding FA has signed up to the White Ribbon campaign as part of its commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion recognising that in the vast majority of cases violence against women and girls is caused by male perpetrators. It is therefore the behaviours and attitudes of men and boys that need to be addressed in order for women and girls to be safe. This commitment does not seek to negate or undermine the experience of domestic abuse for male victims or members of the LGBTQ+ community. We would encourage all those engaged in grassroots football to support this campaign. Clubs can commit to being supporter organisations and individuals can demonstrate this commitment by signing up to be Ambassadors and Champions.

Further information is available on the White Ribbon campaign website.