West Ham United Football Club has become a White Ribbon accredited employer as part of its commitment to prioritising inclusion and diversity within the club and community.
The charity White Ribbon works with men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes. Accreditation is achieved by meeting key standards on leadership commitment, staff training, and community engagement and awareness campaigns.
Announced on White Ribbon Day (25 November), the accreditation underpins West Ham United’s responsibility as an equity leader. It is actively taking steps to ending men’s violence against women as part of its commitment to creating environments where women and girls feel safe, valued and respected.
The football club received accreditation due to its ongoing work across safeguarding, equality, inclusion and community engagement. This includes signing the Women’s Night Safety Charter and delivering awareness and empathy training to men’s first team, academy players and staff.
Baroness Karren Brady, vice-chair of West Ham United, said: “As a club we take seriously our position as equity leaders, making positive change to ensure equality, fairness, safety and respect is at the forefront at West Ham United, our local community and wider society. White Ribbon UK delivers valuable work in their mission to prevent violence against women and girls, as a club we’re honoured to work alongside them on our shared goals for societal changes and take a more positive approach to gender equality.
“As a football club we are committed to creating a culture where harmful behaviour is called out, the impact of men’s allyship and upstanding behaviour is recognised and encouraged and where anyone experiencing violence or abuse feels able to come forward.”
Lynne Elliot, chief executive officer of White Ribbon UK, added: “It’s brilliant to see a Premier League club achieve White Ribbon accreditation. By taking this step, West Ham United are demonstrating a clear commitment to preventing violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys, while also raising awareness of the important work we do.”
