Charlton Athletic are proud to sign-up to the FA’s new football leadership diversity code.
The code was developed in collaboration with club executives, players, coaches, HR directors, media and leaders across the game to ensure English football better represents our modern and diverse society.
Viewed as a starting point towards greater diversity, the code focuses on increasing equality of opportunity with recruitment targets, rather than quotas, for coaching and leadership positions.
Last year Dr Michael Seeraj, who also works with the community trust, was appointed as the club’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), as part of the club and trust’s continued EDI work locally and with the club’s supporters.
Dr Seeraj said: “Our club, the community trust and our supporters have done so much over the years to tackle discrimination, we’re proud of the work we continue to do and it is important for us to continue to commit to improvement. We have a long history of pro-actively promoting EDI, and are acutely aware of the crucial role that diversity plays, bringing new ways of thinking, insights and different perspectives - which is why we are signing up to the FA’s football leadership diversity code.”
A spokesperson, speaking on behalf of the club and community trust, added: “The club and Community Trust would like to reaffirm our commitment to tackling prejudice and promoting inclusion. We recognise the impact of systemic discrimination and structural inequalities. Achieving equality requires hard work and commitment, and meaningful engagement and understanding.
“We are committed to respecting and valuing people's differences, and raising awareness of the valuable contribution that communities and groups from diverse backgrounds add to our programme of community work.
“The Trust will continue to promote and deliver its education and training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to other organisations - across the private, public and voluntary sectors - as well as with professional sports clubs - as endorsed by Paul Elliott CBE, Chair, FA Inclusion Advisory Group.”