Swansea City AFC Foundation proud to release EDI Statement of Commitment
Swansea City AFC Foundation is proud to launch our equality, diversity, and inclusion Statement of Commitment.
The statement has been created in line with our vision of improving our communities through the power of the Swans.
We have consulted with our board of trustees as well as Swansea City Disabled Supporters Association to ensure it reflects the priorities and requirements of both disabled and ethnically diverse communities we work with.
It will influence how we run our projects and engage with participants across our activities, putting inclusion at the forefront of our delivery.
The statement is as follows:
Swansea City AFC Foundation is passionately committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within our organisation and in our local community.
We believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. We recognise, respect, and celebrate our differences and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels included, welcomed, and valued. We will ensure that everyone who takes part in Foundation activities and our staff and volunteers are listened to and their voice heard.
Supporting the most disadvantaged and working for equality and inclusion is at the heart of our mission and we are striving to create positive change across south west Wales.
We acknowledge that inequalities and discrimination exist and negatively impact many in our local community. We believe this to be unacceptable and will stand as allies with those who are oppressed.
We will actively promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in our employment and working practices, through the performance of our staff as role models and in the activities we run.
We are determined to eliminate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief or sexual orientation.
We will not tolerate any form of discrimination and will act to address such behaviour with appropriate action whenever it occurs.
We commit to creating an environment where everyone’s rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and they can enjoy their engagement with the Foundation without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment, bullying or abuse.
This Statement of Commitment has the full backing of the foundation Board of Trustees, foundation senior management team, and Swansea City AFC.
Graham Smith, Swansea City AFC Foundation Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead said: “As a Foundation, equality, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our aims and values. We want everyone who works for the Foundation and takes part in Foundation activities to feel welcomed and have an experience free from discrimination.
"We believe that where discrimination exists it should be challenged and we are committed to doing exactly that. This statement, which we have produced in partnership with supporters’ groups and the club, makes our commitment clear and unequivocal.
"In the coming months we will be launching a three year EDI delivery plan which will have ambitious targets to increase the diversity and inclusion of both our sessions and our working practices, building on this commitment and increasing opportunity for all who engage with the foundation.”
Julian Winter, Swansea City chief executive said: “Swansea City AFC is proud to stand with the Swans Foundation as they launch their EDI Statement of Commitment.
"As the club’s registered charity, the foundation is at the heart of the club and our local communities and we share their commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We look forward to working closely with the foundation over the coming months and years to create positive change for all across south west Wales.”
Cath Dyer, Swansea City Disabled Supporters’ Association secretary said: “The Swans DSA is pleased to have been invited to help in the writing of the Swans Foundation’s ED & I statement.
"We look forward to building further relationships with the foundation.”
