The FA and football’s work involves a wide range of inclusion projects and programmes, many of which are featured in the IAD action plan reports.

Here is a flavour of some key FA supported projects:

Diversifying the decision making roles in football
The business case for diverse representation at board level is well researched and proven in business. More diverse boards make more rounded business decisions and account for a better bottom line

Supporting more talented women at board level
There are a lack of women in leadership roles in football, particularly in the boardroom, including at The FA and the game is working collaboratively to address this.

An example of this is a new exciting programme, spearheaded by The FA and supported by the Premier League, English Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers Association and Professional Game Match Officials. The programme being delivered in partnership with the Institute of Directors is working with 10 talented women from across the game, to support their development as Board Directors. It engages experienced chairmen, directors and CEOs in football to ‘sponsor’ each participant, so beyond the course delivery and individual coaching, they are supported, advocated for and will be introduced to key networking opportunities via their sponsors.

Supporting black and Asian players at board level
The FA continues to support the ‘On the Board’ programme, spearheaded by the Professional Footballers’ Association, set up to help equip former professional players, predominantly from black and Asian communities, with good governance skills. The programme also provides graduates with the knowledge they need to apply for board related roles. Experience on boards has been provided through The FA, County FAs, the League Managers Association, football clubs, we well as charities and housing associations and has led to a number of appointments.  

The programme is delivered by the Governance Forum and over the first two seasons, 56% of the 34 graduates gained board experience with 35% of them appointed to boards in and outside football. “The On the Board programme" said recent graduate and former professional footballer, Dave Regis, “has helped me widen my skillset and equip me with the tools to make a positive contribution at boardroom level.”