West Bromwich Albion Football Club is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. As part of this remit, the Club seeks to confront and eliminate all forms of discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.
West Bromwich Albion recognises that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perception.
This holistic stance extends to the Club's recruitment policy. West Bromwich Albion is an equal opportunities employer and it is the Club's policy to recruit the best person for each vacancy. There should be no discrimination, harassment, less favourable treatment or victimisation of any employee, job applicant, customer, provider of services or member of the public, either directly or indirectly. The Club aims to ensure all employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria.
This policy is applicable to:
- The advertisement of jobs
- The selection of candidates for employment or promotion
- Job location or working environment
- Pay and employment terms and conditions
- Internal training and development activities
- Internal and external coaching and education activities and awards
- Football development activities
This Club policy aims to achieve three main objectives:
- To encourage its employees to take an active role in combating all forms of harassment and discrimination
- To deter employees from participating in harassment and discriminatory behaviour
- To demonstrate to all employees that they can rely upon the Club's support in cases of harassment and discrimination at work
The Club does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment and has procedures in place to ensure such behaviour is met with appropriate disciplinary action. Although the Club has overall responsibility for this policy, it encourages its employees to take an active role in ensuring its effective implementation.
The Club supports the commitment of the game's governing bodies - The Football Association, Premier League, Football League and UEFA - in developing a programme of ongoing training and awareness‐raising events and activities to promote the eradication of discrimination in football.
REPORTING
If you hear any discriminatory remarks or behaviour, please inform your nearest Steward or report the incident via the 'Kick It Out' app. For more information, please visit www.kickitout.org.
MATCHDAYS
The Club employs in excess of 350 stewarding staff on a matchday, helping to ensure that all supporters have a safe and positive experience when attending The Hawthorns. As well as ensuring the safety of all, stewards monitor the language and behaviour of all supporters. Should anyone be guilty of discriminatory behaviour (ie the use of foul, abusive, racist or homophobic language), stewards will take the necessary action. Depending on the severity of the offence, this will range from a quiet word with the individual(s) to an arrest should the offence be deemed as criminal. Any complaint that is received (either verbally to a member of staff or in writing) is dealt with in accordance with the club's customer charter, with the complainant kept abreast of any updates throughout the process. Supporters are reminded of the Club's stance on discrimination, and encouraged to embrace its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, via messages on the stadiums two big screens and also on the crowd‐facing LED boards.