03 October 2023 , 15:03
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West Ham aims to make sure at least 35 percent of their workforce is ethnically diverse after receiving an award for their work off the pitch.
The high-flying east Londoners have been handed a Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS) honour, having first been presented with the Advanced level of the award in 2020.
Seventh in the table with four wins from their seven Premier League games so far, the Europa Conference League champions want to ensure those working for the club reflect the local community. The target is for 35% of staff to be from Black, Asian and Mixed Ethnicity. The figure currently stands at 19% and is on target to reach 25% by 2025.
Michail Antonio, the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer, said: “As players, we know the responsibility we have, and how important it is to be seen by and feel a part of the Club’s community.
“It’s a privilege for me to be part of a Premier League Club that welcomes everyone and works hard to open up opportunities to improve the lives of people in Newham and across the capital.”
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West Ham United Vice-Chair Karren Brady said: “It is fantastic for the Club and all of our incredible staff, that three years on from being one of the first Clubs to be awarded the PLEDIS for our work in equality, diversity and inclusion, we’ve once again received the Premier League’s highest possible accolade.
“It was an immense source of pride when we first received the award, but in many ways today’s honour is an even greater achievement, as it shows that we didn’t stand still, but instead we worked even harder to keep improving and challenging ourselves.
“Throughout our long and illustrious history in East London, there is so much for us to be proud of as a Club, and our continued success as an equity leader only serves to drive us to even greater heights.”
The Award was presented to West Ham at London Stadium on Monday with all of the club’s men’s, women’s and Academy players and West Ham United staff coming together for a commemorative photo.
The Hammers took the opportunity to show off their Europa Conference League trophy, FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League South trophy on a day of celebration of West Ham United’s huge success on and off the pitch.
After the club was assessed by an expert panel, a Premier League Report: “strongly commend(ed) the leadership shown by the Club and its senior leaders in driving forward equality, diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally.
“The Club’s well-communicated, zero tolerance stance on all forms of abuse and discrimination is undoubtedly achieving demonstrable impact and lasting change. The Panel highly commend the systematic approach being taken to embed EDI, for example ensuring that there is a clear connection between coaching, mentoring and partnerships.”