Premier League clubs must adopt an equality, diversity and inclusion standard that binds the club, its manager, officials, players and academy players, with ongoing work toward a certification level and submissions made on time.
What the standard covers
The standard supports a commitment to diversity and inclusion and to removing discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. It applies to the club as an organisation and also to named groups within it.
The league and the clubs make four linked commitments under this framework: to be equal opportunities employers; to encourage the same commitment from every other organisation or individual acting within the game; not to tolerate discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and to take appropriate disciplinary or other action; and to participate fully in the standard itself.
What clubs have to do in practice
A club has to engage actively with the process. That means continuing to work toward a level of the standard and making submissions within the required timelines.
A promoted club has a specific entry position. If it is engaging with the standard for the first time, or it returns with an earlier certification no longer valid, it must make a preliminary submission at the end of its first season in the league.
The detail used to judge the awards sits elsewhere. The themes, outcomes and key indicators are agreed by the clubs and published separately by the league.
The certification levels and how long they last
Here are the certification levels and their periods of validity.
| Level | How long it is valid |
|---|---|
| Preliminary | Two seasons from the point the league gives notice |
| Intermediate | Three seasons |
| Advanced | Three seasons, retained for a further three following a successful advanced health check |
These certifications are time-limited rather than open-ended. A club must keep working within the framework during the validity period, and the top level can be kept for an extra cycle only through a successful advanced health check.
How breaches are handled
Any breach connected to the standard is dealt with by the league Board on a case-by-case basis. Discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, is not tolerated, and the response may be disciplinary or another appropriate form of action.
FAQ
What is the Premier League equality standard?
It is the equality, diversity and inclusion framework that every club has to adopt. It combines conduct requirements with a certification structure, so clubs are expected to do more than make a general pledge.
Do Premier League clubs have to meet a diversity standard?
Yes. Each club has to adopt the standard and engage with it actively by working toward a certification level and submitting material within the required timelines.
Who has to follow the Premier League equality rules?
The obligation reaches the club, its manager, officials, players and academy players. It is not limited to boardroom policy and it is not confined to the senior squad.
How long does a Premier League equality certification last?
Preliminary certification lasts for two seasons from the point the league gives notice. Intermediate and advanced certifications last for three seasons, and advanced can be retained for a further three after a successful advanced health check.