The Football Association - Inclusion Advisory Board Member

About the Organisation

The Football Association (The FA) is football’s governing body in England. It leads the development of the game at every level, from grassroots football to the professional tier, including The FA Cup and the England teams. Its major assets include Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park.

The FA’s purpose is to drive positive change through football, using the sport to remove barriers and bring together people from different backgrounds. It represents a nationwide football community made up of more than 15.7 million participants, nearly 30 million supporters, and over 90,000 grassroots teams.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to The FA’s culture. The organisation aims to build an environment where people can flourish and be authentic. In football, this means making sure everyone feels welcome and that differences do not become obstacles to joining or remaining involved in the game. The FA believes that a strong EDI approach helps it respond more effectively to the demands of the modern game.

About the Role

The FA is looking to appoint 2 new members to its Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB), as 2 current members will reach the end of their maximum term later this year.

The IAB was established in 2013 after the launch of the cross-football Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Plan. It reports to the main Board and works closely with the executive leading delivery of the EDI strategy.

The organisation is currently midway through its 4-year equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, A Game Free From Discrimination, which focuses on three pillars: increasing representation across officials, players, coaches, volunteers, and employees; building inclusion so everyone involved in football feels welcome; and confronting discrimination by challenging prejudice and abuse consistently.

Key Accountabilities

• Support, advocate for, and help strengthen The FA’s equality, diversity, and inclusion agenda.
• Contribute to debate by representing the perspectives and interests of underrepresented communities while still acting in The FA’s best interests.
• Offer constructive challenge and guidance to the executive on inclusion and anti-discrimination topics, and be prepared to give views on complex issues when committee decisions are needed.
• Help shape strategy through active participation, thought leadership, and, where appropriate, involvement in implementation.

What The FA Is Looking For

• Genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across the football ecosystem.
• Strong awareness of the barriers and issues faced by underrepresented groups in football.
• Forward-thinking insight that can positively support The FA’s continuing EDI work.
• Good understanding of football today across its many formats.
• Ability to develop and sustain constructive relationships with other IAB members, FA colleagues, and wider football stakeholders.
• Willingness to act impartially and in the best interests of The FA rather than for personal benefit.

Time Commitment and Terms

IAB members are expected to attend at least three meetings each year, generally spaced evenly through the year. Meetings usually take place on weekdays at Wembley Stadium, although at least one meeting may be held at The National Football Centre, St. George’s Park near Burton-on-Trent.

Members may also be asked to represent The FA at events and forums from time to time.

Travel expenses for attending meetings will be reimbursed.

Appointments are made for a three-year term. Members can then reapply for a further three years, and this can be repeated up to three times in total, allowing a maximum tenure of 9 years.

Additional Information

This is a board-level advisory appointment rather than a conventional operational role.