Brentford have been awarded the Intermediate level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS).
PLEDIS supports clubs in developing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across all areas of their operations. It is a key part of the League’s No Room For Racism Action Plan commitment to helping to further embed equality across the competition and wider football pyramid.
As highlighted by the four-year update on the Action Plan, 27 clubs are participating in PLEDIS, with 18 at Advanced level, meaning each are enacting a range of initiatives to progress EDI across their work.
Brentford have been prominent advocates of EDI, and during the recent No Room For Racism period, launched a two-year inclusive leadership programme.
This initiative is tailored for their executive committee, board, and senior football staff, equipping leaders with the skills to actively champion anti-racism.
It will encourage leaders to understand systemic racism in football and beyond, reflect on their own biases, confidently challenge discrimination, and actively advocate for anti-racism.
Having progressed to the PLEDIS Intermediate level through a broad range of work developing a culture of shared values and data-driven decisions to address under-representation, the club were presented with their accreditation before the men’s first-team fixture against Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Commitment to developing inclusive leaders
“Brentford have demonstrated innovation and leadership in embedding inclusion and equity across both the club and its Trust, with authentic fan engagement and community connection evident throughout," said Kuljit Randhawa, the Premier League's Head of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, pictured far left in the top image.
“The club’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders and embedding shared values across all levels and areas of the club was evident from the boardroom to the training ground and Academy.
“We congratulate the club for their vision, dedication, and hard work. We look forward to their continued leadership in advancing EDI and ongoing engagement with PLEDIS, underpinned by Brentford’s values of togetherness, respect, and progressiveness.”
“Fostering an environment of equity and inclusion is a top priority"
Kaammini Chanrai, Brentford EDI director, pictured receiving the award below, said: "We are pleased to receive the intermediate PLEDIS award and grateful to the Premier League for recognising our efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“At Brentford, fostering an environment of equity and inclusion is a top priority. We take pride in our diverse community and are committed to ensuring that all fans, staff, and players feel welcome and valued.
"While this award marks an important milestone, our work in this space continues. We remain dedicated to making our club and this sport accessible, inclusive, and supportive for everyone."
PLEDIS was launched in 2021 to build on the Premier League Equality Standard, which was created in 2015. It provides a framework to help clubs progress equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of their business, including the work of their Community Trust (or equivalent).
A senior member of staff in each club assumes the role of designated equality lead officer and is responsible, with executive support and the club’s Equality Working Group, for driving EDI forward.
