The Football Association - Inclusion Advisory Board MemberThe FA

Our Organisation 

The Football Association (The FA) is the governing body of football in England. We are responsible for promoting and developing the game at all levels; from grassroots through to the professional game, The FA Cup and the England teams, and we have two world class assets: Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park. 

Our vision is to inspire positive change through football; the national game that can break down barriers and unite people from very different backgrounds.   Today, we are the governing body of a national community that includes more than 15.7 million football participants, almost 30 million fans and more than 90,000 grassroots teams. 

At The FA, equality, diversity and inclusion means valuing and celebrating our differences. Nurturing the right working environment and culture is core to who we are, and we try very hard to create a workplace where everyone thrives and can be themselves. 

For the game, it means everyone's welcome, ensuring differences between us do not create barriers to getting into football and staying involved. 

We believe embracing equality, diversity and inclusion makes us stronger and better equipped to meet the challenges of the modern game. 

The Role 

As two current Board members will complete their maximum term limit later this year, we are seeking to appoint 2 new representatives to its Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB). 

The IAB was introduced in 2013 following the introduction of the cross-football Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Plan. Today it reports into the main Board and works very closely with the executive responsible for delivering the EDI strategy on the ground. 

We are currently mid cycle of our 4-year equality, diversity and inclusion strategy - A Game Free From Discrimination  - https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/what-we-do/fa-equality-diversity-inclusion-strategy-2024-2028

The strategy is broken down under 3 pillars: 

1. Boosting Representation: ensuring diversity of officials, players, coaches, volunteers, and employees. 
2. Driving Inclusion: helping everyone involved in the game, in whatever capacity, feel welcome. 
3. Tackling Discrimination: creating a culture where prejudice and abuse is routinely challenged and addressed. 

Key Accountabilities 

As part of the IAB you will be required to: 

• Be an advocate for The FA's equality, diversity and inclusion work; influencing and championing the work to contribute to its success. 
• Debate issues; reflecting the views and interests of underrepresented groups, whilst acting in the best interests of the FA. 
• challenge and provide constructive guidance to the executive on inclusion and anti-discrimination matters and from time to time be willing to opine on complex matters where a committee decision is required. 
• Actively contribute and provide thought leadership to the development of strategy; advise and participate in implementation (where required and practically possible). 

What we are looking for 

• A passion for the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda across the breadth of the football ecosystem 
• A broad knowledge of the issues and challenges facing underrepresented groups in football. 
• Knowledge and thought leadership that is progressive and beneficial to the ongoing development of The FA's work in this area. 
• A sound understanding of the modern game of football in its various forms. 

• The ability to build and maintain constructive working relationships with others (including fellow IAB Members, FA colleagues and colleagues from across the football family). 
• A willingness to act in the best interests of The FA without regard to personal interest or benefit. 

Time Commitment 

As a minimum, IAB Members should attend three meetings each year, typically at even intervals.  Meetings are usually held on a weekday at Wembley Stadium although at least one of these meetings may be held at The National Football Centre at St. George's Park near Burton-On-Trent. 
In addition, you may be asked to represent The FA at various events/forums. 

Expenses incurred in order to travel to meetings will be reimbursed.

Members will be appointed for a term of three years, after which they will be eligible to reapply for another three years, up to three times (maximum of 9 years).