Chelsea have been awarded the Advanced level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS) - the highest honour in this category.
PLEDIS supports clubs in developing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across all areas of their operations, including the work of their community trust or equivalent.
It is a key part of the League’s commitment in its No Room For Racism Action Plan to helping to further embed equality across the competition and wider football pyramid, ensuring that football is open and welcome for all.
Chelsea, one of 27 clubs participating in PLEDIS, are now the 19th to achieve the Advanced level, showing they are enacting a range of initiatives to progress EDI across their work.
Clear commitment
In recent years the club appointed a DEI and culture lead, while also introducing a designated disability access officer to help progress their EDI development.
Chelsea's commitment continues to be showcased through impactful campaigns and initiatives, including the Women’s Empowerment Network, the Unite for Access campaign and their enhanced parental leave policies.
The work undertaken by the club's charity arm, the Chelsea Foundation, has provided Inspire Her and Blue Creator Fund initiatives, both of which tackle complex issues by adopting a holistic, multifaceted approach.
"The PLEDIS Panel commended Chelsea’s proactive approach and dedication to understanding its workforce through advanced data practices, alongside mature governance structures at Chelsea FC Women and initiatives like the Players’ Trust, which underscores its commitment to progress," said Kuljit Randhawa, the Premier League's Head of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, pictured far right in the top image.
"The club’s efforts to combat online hate to protect players and fans further highlight its leadership in driving positive change.
"We congratulate the People Team and Chelsea’s leadership for their vision and hard work, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion."
'There are areas we can continue to improve on'
Jason Gannon, Chief Operating Officer and president of Chelsea, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised by the Premier League for our commitment to EDI. We shared our vision with the panel and our progress and bold delivery plans for the future contributed to this accreditation being awarded.
"While we have made progress across the business, the leadership team know there are areas we can continue to improve on. Our strategy directly addresses those areas, and we are continually working to build a genuinely inclusive, dynamic and vibrant culture at CFC.
"We each have a role to play in this important journey ahead and our commitment is to continue to lead the charge in this space."
Trisha Champaneri, Chelsea's DEI and culture lead, pictured far left in the top image, added: "In this difficult landscape in the world of EDI, we cannot lose sight of the broader purpose – we are creating a culture of kindness, curiosity and acceptance and it is without question the right thing to be doing.
"To us a diverse culture is crucial – a celebration of intersectionality, where diversity of thought is valued and nurtured."
More about PLEDIS
PLEDIS was launched in 2021 to build on the Premier League Equality Standard, which was created in 2015. It provides a framework to help clubs progress equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of their business, including the work of their Community Trust (or equivalent).
A senior member of staff in each club assumes the role of designated equality lead officer and is responsible, with executive support and the club’s Equality Working Group, for driving EDI forward.