Rams recognised for equality, diversity and inclusion approach

Derby County and Derby County Community Trust have been recognised by the football league for their approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The club has achieved Bronze status in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.

The award comes after the club, in collaboration with the community trust, submitted evidence of its extensive equality, diversity and inclusion practices.

Initially launched in 2012, the EFL’s Equality Code of Practice was revamped to become a multi-level accreditation scheme at the start of the 2022/23 season.

It sees every one of the 72 clubs assessed on their EDI practices.

Feedback from the EFL saw the Rams’ equality, diversity and inclusion work described as “a fantastic example of an exemplary Bronze Code of Practice submission”.

Stephen Pearce, chief executive at Derby County, said: “We’re delighted to achieve Bronze status in the EFL’s Equality Code of Practice.

“We submitted a large amount of evidence that helped to create a clear picture and narrative of our EDI journey.

“The culture of EDI is driven from the top of the organisation, and this runs through the core of the club.

“The EFL have informed us that many of our policies, procedures and practices are going above and beyond what is expected to be awarded the Bronze Code of Practice Standard.

“I would like to congratulate all our staff, across the club and community trust, on this achievement and for their ongoing work.”

David McArdle, director of equality, diversity and inclusion at the EFL, said: “Our 72 clubs represent communities of people from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds.

“The EFL’s Code of Practice is the foundation on which our work on equality, diversity and inclusion is built, providing clubs with a clear framework and setting out exactly what they need to put in place to ensure the club is reflective of the community at all levels.

“We are really pleased to announce the first set of clubs to receive their awards.

“The progress being made is very encouraging and the EFL will continue to support and empower all clubs to make a positive impact on their communities and the wider game.”