Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation celebrates and values the diversity brought by employees, potential employees, casual workers, potential casual workers, participants, donors and customers and believes the charity benefits from engaging with everyone from a variety of backgrounds, allowing it to meet the needs of a diverse population within a multi-cultural society.
We share and are committed to the standards, values and expectations set by Brighton & Hove Albion, the Premier League, the Football Association, the EFL and Kick it Out, who each assert that football is for everyone and that it belongs to, and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it, whether as a player, official, staff member or spectator.
The Foundation is committed to challenging inequality and celebrating diversity to achieve our objectives:
- Delivering programmes that achieve inclusion of under-represented groups.
- Championing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
- Diversifying our workforce – representing the communities that we operate within.
- Creating an equitable and inclusive culture.
- Increasing and diversifying our community engagement across priority groups.
Our commitment
We vow to treat everyone with respect and dignity and seek to provide a positive environment for all of our stakeholders, free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation or abuse.
Our aim is to create a positive, inclusive ethos that will work towards the elimination of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and abuse whether overt or covert.
Our aim is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
These are known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010.
Read our equality policy by clicking below.
Our strategic priorities
We have a number of strategic priorities where we focus our activity.
- Women and girls
- People with a disability
- Under-represented diverse ethnic communities
- LGBTQ+ people
These strategic priorities also work alongside our commitments to improved mental health and working in identified areas of deprivation.
Challenging discrimination
We are committed to challenging discrimination and will challenge behaviour that isn’t in keeping with our values. If you have any questions or concerns about your experience at our events or activities, please direct them to info@bhafcfoundation.org.uk and we will deal with these in confidence.
Become an Albion Ally
At Brighton & Hove Albion and the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, we want everyone to feel at home. The Albion is for everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance.
Sometimes, there are people who need our help and support to stand up in the face of hate. So, to mark the Rainbow Laces campaign, we want you to become an Albion Ally; to make a pledge and show your support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people in our community. Even small acts of solidarity can make all the difference.
We believe by working together and sticking up for each other, we make our community a better and fairer place.
Inclusion of trans and non-binary people
The Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation believes that football is for everyone and that it should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it. We recognise that trans and non-binary people may have different experiences and needs when accessing sport and physical activity. We are committed to treating all participants with dignity and respect and to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
Our approach is guided by our Equality Policy, our Trans and Non-binary Participant Inclusion Policy, relevant legislation, safeguarding requirements, and any applicable football governing body regulations.
Are the Foundation’s activities inclusive for non-binary people?
Yes. We strive to make all of our activities inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Our staff receive training on equality, inclusion and safeguarding and are supported to keep their knowledge up to date. We will work with participants and families to understand individual circumstances and identify the most appropriate way for people to access and enjoy our programmes.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessing our events or services, please call us on 01273 878265 or email info@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.
Can non-binary people attend the Foundation’s events that are gendered?
In most cases, our activities are open to all participants. Some activities are targeted towards specific groups to meet a particular need or increase participation amongst underrepresented groups: for example programmes designed to encourage participation amongst women and girls.
Where questions arise regarding participation in a gendered activity, these will be considered on an individual basis, taking account of the nature and purpose of the activity, safeguarding considerations, relevant legislation, Foundation policies, and any applicable governing body regulations.
If you are unsure which session may be most appropriate for you or your child, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the available options in confidence.
Safeguarding
Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the protection of all children, young people and adults. We view our responsibility for ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults who engage in our activities as our highest priority.