Surrey FA achieve Preliminary Level of Equality Standard, whilst Suffolk reach Foundation Level.

The FA is pleased to announce that Surrey FA has achieved the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard, and were congratulated at FA Full Council last month, whilst the Suffolk FA have also received Foundation Level.
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The National Standard for Equality is a nationally recognised framework that assists CFAs with embedding equality at the highest level of their organisation, and communicating and sharing that commitment with its staff and its partners. It also provides a framework to review how a CFA is organised around equality in relation to its service delivery, workforce, policies, procedures and legal compliance against the backdrop of the National Game Strategy’s four strategic goals and three enablers.

On notification of the award, Surrey FA CEO Ray Ward said: “This is a great achievement for Surrey County FA and testament to the hard work of our staff and support of our Board. To be the first County FA in England to achieve this level is especially pleasing and supports our County vision of Football for All.

Kelly Simmons, The FA's Head of National Game added: “I congratulate Surrey FA on being the first County FA to achieve the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport and recognise their excellent work in the field of equality and diversity. Surrey FA is certainly leading the way, and their achievement is a beacon of good practice in this area, which should encourage other CFAs to follow.”

Meanwhile, the Suffolk FA received the Foundation Level on the same day, Suffolk CEO Phil Knight said: “Coming as it does just weeks before we launch our Inclusion Strategy 2012-15, this award is both timely and much-prized and reflects the many hours of hard work put in by my team and supporting volunteer workforce.

"We are very grateful to those partners who have provided us with fantastic support throughout the process, including the staff at The FA and Louise Tideswell at Plan4Sport. We look forward to their continued support as we work towards Preliminary Standard in the weeks and months ahead.”

Jonathan Mills, The FA's Equality Co-ordinator added: “This is truly a milestone achievement for Suffolk FA in consolidating and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive and diverse practices, which we are sure will have a positive impact on all of the diverse participants who enjoy and play the game of football in Suffolk County.”