Cherries Trust sign up to FSA model Equality Charter

Cherries Trust sign up to FSA model Equality Charter

At its last Board meeting the Cherries Trust Board approved signing up to the Football Supporters Association’s draft Equality Charter. The FSA’s “Fans for Diversity” campaign has been active in working with “Kick it Out” and the “Level Playing Field” to effect change in a number of ways. Signing the Charter is a public indication of the Cherries Trust’s endorsement of those activities and willingness to champion change in this area. The newly constituted Board has a dedicated role to support this activity, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion. Hilary Trott is the current Board member in that post.

The Charter makes clear the Cherries Trust’s commitment to a more inclusive approach for everyone involved in the game at all levels and in all capacities. In full the Charter reads:

“We adhere to the following equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination guidelines.

• We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all involved by applying equality, diversity and inclusion in our day-to-day operations.
• We will promote awareness of the benefits of equality, inclusion and diversity with a clear understanding that football belongs to everyone.
• In our activities we will not discriminate or treat anyone less favourably on the grounds of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race or nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion/belief or disability.
• We will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of any kind and will assure the appropriate reporting procedures are actioned if any of the mentioned does occur under our supervision.
• We are committed to taking action against discrimination.
• We will ensure good practice is encouraged internally, with our football club(s), partners and the wider community.

As part of our commitment to the eradication of discrimination in football and the promotion of equality, inclusion and diversity, we are fully supportive of the work of organisations such as Kick It Out and The Football Supporters’ Association.

We as fans stand together as one so that everyone can feel welcome and enjoy the beautiful game.”

After the Board approved the adoption of the Equality Charter, Hilary Trott said “In many ways this is not new for us. However, the Board feels that it is important to underline in a very public way what has been our approach all along. We have been invited to be part of the Club’s Equality Focus Group and I am looking forward to working proactively with the other members to further the club’s progress in this important area.

It is my hope that, working with the other members of the group, and the club, we will be able to identify areas where the Cherries Trust can make a positive impact for fans. In the coming months, the Trust Board will be discussing opportunities and activities with the intention of pulling together a plan to address any such areas requiring action.”

Any EDI related enquiries from members or the wider fan-base should be sent to the Cherries Trust EDI Champion via enquiries@cherriestrust.co.uk in the first instance.