Following the club’s online assessment last month, the panel congratulated the club on its excellent submission, wide-ranging presentation and its open reflection on Chelsea’s progress, challenges and the work ahead. We were also commended on our commitment to developing a strong foundation from which to make progress and the determination to ensure that the club’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda is firmly embedded.

The panel also commended the club’s focus on under-representation - particularly the development of a Race Strategy - our actions on enabling young journalists from diverse backgrounds in gaining access to the press box, our on-going work on antisemitism and embedding EDI into onboarding, as well as ensuring that the process extends to all colleagues at every level, including players and managers. The club’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including our efforts to combat poverty and isolation, and our advocacy for Refuge, were also recognised.

The club’s report includes recommendations for development, which will be considered by the Equality working group to ensure continuous development within EDI.

The Premier League’s Equality Standards, introduced in 2015, reflects current legislation and case law, providing a framework to guide professional football clubs towards achieving equality. It gives clubs the platform to make improvements internally and raise awareness externally.