The FSA offers free, expert assistance to clubs and our member organisations on supporter consultation, club fan engagement plans and getting those processes off the ground.
The EFL has produced enhanced supporter engagement guidance for its clubs in consulation with the FSA, including the provision that senior club staff and board members should meet with supporter representatives at least twice per season.
The enhanced requirements help EFL clubs become ‘regulator ready’. We’ll also be working with the National League to ensure fan engagement is meaningful and gives fans at that level a voice.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) expects all regulated clubs to demonstrate that they undertake meaningful supporter consultation on matters of club governance and finances, heritage, matchday experience and any other issues relevant to fans.
We have developed an excellent relationship with the IFR and its club supervision leaders. This relationship, in addition to existing expertise and experience, places us in an excellent position to help clubs develop compliant, meaningful supporter engagement platforms and processes.
Ashley Brown, FSA head of supporter engagement, said: “Every club presents a different challenge but clubs across the pyramid are now benefitting from our growing experience.”
We attend two meetings per year with the Premier League and representatives from Fan Advisory Boards (FABs), alongside two “structured dialogue” meetings where we take in supporter representatives to PL HQ to discuss league wide matters. Every club in the top-flight must also comply with the league’s Fan Engagement Standard.
We are in continuous dialogue with Premier League executives, operational and communications staff, and help with specific engagement work at many clubs.
We work closely with Football Supporters Europe, liaising regularly regarding English teams playing in Europe and reporting back any issues to FSE, who in turn have direct dealings with UEFA.
Our network managers and representatives are also in regular contact with Pro Ref (formerly PGMO) to discuss refereeing and VAR, while we have also met with Sky to express supporter concerns in relation to broadcast matters.
What is a FAB?
Clubs in the Premier League and EFL now have Fan Advisory Boards (aka FABs), which should have around 5-12 members including any supporters’ trust. Members should be on rotation with elected officials meeting club executives on a minimum quarterly basis.
Clubs hold no veto (except in exceptional circumstances e.g. a prospective member has a Football Banning Order) and appointments should be from democratic fan groups and / or via independent panel interviews.
FABs can discuss but are not limited to:
- The club’s vision and strategic objectives;
- Proposals relating to the club’s heritage assets;
- Stadium development and / or relocation plans;
- Growth of the club’s fan base both domestically and internationally;
- Communication to the wider fan base;
- Work in the local community.
A FAB should be created in conjunction with recognised supporter representatives. The FSA is also happy to assist in this process as we have real world experience and best practice guidance.
Supporting documents available from the FSA include guidance on creating a FAB, glossary of key terms, as well as template terms of reference, codes of conduct, disciplinary and confidentiality policies. We can even help with FAB applications, elections and appointments.
Michelle Dring – head of strategy (Bristol City): “The FSA were instrumental in supporting me through the setup process for our FAB, providing clear, practical advice throughout. Their involvement on the interview panel ensured the process was fully independent and robust, which gave me real confidence in the outcome.”
Want to hear more?
- If you’re from a supporters’ organisation or a club and would like additional information or support in this area please contact the FSA via [email protected]
