Equality focus group minutes: 12/09/23

Attendees:

• Liz Finney (LF)
• Steve Cuss (SC)
• Hannah Powis (HP)
• John Jennings (JJ)
• Nick Osborne (NO)
• Emma Young (EY)
• Simon Shave (SS)
• Nick Holmes (NH)
• Matt Sturgeon (MS)
• Ben Smith (BS)
• Rob Trent (RT)
• Nick Bishop (NB)
• Leslie Hathaway (LH)

Apologies

• Chris Ashton (CA)
• Louise Clarke (LC)
• Princess Beckford (PB)
• Rachel Maidment (RM)
• Sarah Jelfs (SJ)

Meeting minutes:

• HP welcomed the group to the meeting and invited a discussion around the start of the season. The group referenced that there had been some noticable improvement with standing in front of Row A.
• SS mentioned that this was still difficult in the Main stand at the time of the warm ups. RT noted that away games have been smooth and had an enjoyable atmosphere.
• HP will request the accessibility team work within the family stand to reinforce the message on standing in front of Row A.
• HP/LF updated the group that the accessible minibus will continue to run as it has previously, where demand is there, a second vehicle will run.
• SC updated the group on the summer programme of activities for the Community Sports Trust (CST) and on the Women’s team. Throughout summer they have supported 60 children a day to access meals through the Holiday Activity Fund.
• He highlighted to the group that attendance at Ringwood for Women’s team fixtures this season has exceeded last years games, with regularly over 400 spectators. 7 players have been added to the squad, 2 games to be played this year at Vitality Stadium.
• This information was well received by the group.
• HP talked through this seasons plans for Everyone, Together and confirmed three stories which will make reference to; disability, mental health, veterans and Religion. HP informed the group that we will relaunch Everyone, Together next season and she will put this on the agenda for a future meeting for the group to discuss further.
• HP updated the group with details of further work around Religious groups, HP & JJ will work with a local Interfaith Committee to establish more connections within the area with the possibility of someone attending the EFG’s next meeting. This was well received by the group.
• HP spoke to the group about the upcoming Fans Fund which is a Premier League (PL) and Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF) led initiative focused around strengthening the clubs connection with its fans, diversifying the fan base and enhancing the matchday experience, in partnership with fans.
• Suggestions from the group were around;
  • Staff training to enhance matchday experience
  • Reaching out to other clubs to see what their plans are
  • Broadening the reach of themed matchdays
• The group suggested focusing on one area and linking this with the club’s EDI priority areas. LF updated the group on a project to encourage new JC members from within the club’s EDI priority areas that will likely dovetail with the work of the Fans Fund.
• SC explained that a focus for the project should be allowing more people to feel comfortable within the stadium, it will be possible to utilise a non-matchday to do this.
• HP discussed with the group ideas that have been explored internally. One of these was a coffee morning/informal gathering of community groups form across the local area. Spread over the season these would develop as directed by the group but could expand into referal to CST projects, matchdays, careers workshops.
• EY commented that the informal nature of any work in this area is important to encourage people to attend and build a connection with the club.
• The groups discussed a few areas of accessibility:
  • A video to outline platform with the DSA – LF suggested for HP and JJ to be involved with video to help supporters who are unaware of the process of application. HP suggested this could link into a “journey to Vitality” video.
  • Fold out shelves on the platform was mentioned by the group and if this could be possible, this idea was well received however there was some discussion around these being suitable for a variety of supporters. HP and JJ will look into further and discuss and discuss at next DSA meeting.
  • The car park process was spoken about and agreed that although not perfect for everyone it is a good process. Car park stewards will always support where possible with disabled supporters. LF will review signage across car parks.
• Meeting closed