Bradford academic appointed equality assessor for premier league
Social Work lecturer, Elaben Mistry-Jackson has been appointed as one of only seven Equality Assessors for Premier League football clubs. Elaine's role will see her taking responsible for taking Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United through the equality standards that are set by the Premier League
The role of Equality Assessor is newly created by the Premier League in response to a mandatory ruling. Traditionally, issues around equality have been addressed by assigned staff within respective football clubs, but for the first time the Premier League have employed consultant assessors to undertake the work. As an assessor, Elaben will be visiting the nominated clubs to undertake equality impact assessments to ascertain where they are at with provision related to aspects of equality and diversity.
She will then formulate an action plan for the club to implement and make a follow up visit to the club at the end of the season for audit purposes. There are three levels of equality standard clubs can work towards, preliminary, intermediate and advanced, which the assessor would recommend to the panel at the end of the season.
Elaben said: "I’m really excited by this new and exciting challenge. Having a lead in ensuring English football clubs are seen to embrace more inclusiveness and diversity, will not only serve the clubs well but enrich and widen the fan base. This is at the heart of all aspects of equality and diversity. I’m looking forward to going behind the scenes and having the opportunity to see things from the other side! (not off side)"
The Premier League is an English professional league for men's association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Football League.