LCFC’s Commitment To Equality Recognised By Premier League

- Leicester City achieve Premier League Equality Standard (PLES) Advanced Level
- Award recognises the Football Club’s commitment to equality and how it is embedded across the organisation
- Chief Executive credits role played by staff, supporters and Leicester community

The Football Club is proud to announce that it has achieved the Advanced Level of the Premier League Equality Standard (PLES) – the League’s progressive framework that guides professional football clubs in matters of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Representatives from across the organisation contributed to an extensive assessment from a PLES panel, which commended the Club’s consistent and considered progress since achieving the Intermediate Level in 2016.

The Club’s efforts to embed equality in the culture of its entire operation, innovative work in retail and the participation of players and high-profile personnel also won praise from the panel in its recommendation that Advanced Level be awarded.

Susan Whelan, Leicester City Chief Executive, said: “This is a really proud achievement for our Football Club. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our staff for their tireless work in demonstrating how the Club’s values and commitment to equality are embedded in our operations, culture and practices.

“This is also an achievement for our supporters and our communities, whose participation is vital in maintaining an environment that welcomes everyone.

“Achieving the Advanced Level is an important endorsement of our efforts to date but, in order to lead change, we must continue to strive for and maintain the highest standards. This is a living, everyday Club priority and essential if we are to become an organisation that is consistently representative of one of the most diverse cities in the UK.”

Bill Bush, Premier League Executive Director, said: “Leicester City have shown whole-hearted commitment to achieve the Advanced Level of the Premier League Equality Standard and demonstrated their usual high standards of skill and professionalism in getting there. The Premier League congratulates the club and all their staff for the work they have done in this crucial area.

“Through their LCFC Together initiative, the Club continues to demonstrate an inclusive ethos across all of their work, both on and off the pitch, and plays an extremely important role as an ally for their supporter groups.

“Their innovative work with Foxes Pride has demonstrated their commitment to equality and is part of the reason they have achieved this accolade.

“We look forward to supporting the club as they continue to further progress their work in this area.”

The Premier League Equality Standard was launched in 2015 and provides a framework to help clubs progress equality and diversity across all areas of their business.

Throughout the PLES process, clubs submit extensive evidence to show that they are meeting a range of equality-related requirements, designed to reflect current legislation and case law. These requirements become progressively more challenging as clubs move between the levels of achievement.

For more information about the Premier League Equality Standard, click HERE.