Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality of opportunity is a basic human right and Durham FA actively opposes all forms of discrimination.
Durham County FA recognises that individuals and communities may experience unlawful discrimination on the grounds of their sex, age, disability, ethnicity (including nationality and race), gender-reassignment, sexual orientation, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership status (from Equality Act 2010). Individuals, families and communities may also encounter socio-economic challeneges which can affect participation.
We celebrate diversity within society and across our region and will continue to work to promote and reflect that diversity within Durham County FA structures and activities is at the forefront. Durham County FA Board, Staff and members are committed to increasing opportunity for all and increasing the involvement of all diverse communities, at all levels of grassroots football, by taking positive steps to address any barriers. It is essential for equality and inclusion to be reflected with our project planning, organisation and delivery to provide opportunities and increase participation.
If joining our IAG Team is something that interests you please complete the below forms and return them into Kerry.Topping@DurhamFA.com
For more information please contact David.Cleary@DurhamFA.com
Click here to download the iag application form
click here to download the dfa equality and diversity monitoring form
We will continue to challenge discrimination of all kinds across grassroots football to make the game ‘For All’. Every participant has the right to play the game with confidence and without prejudice, regardless of ability and background.
Durham County FA will investigate all reports of discriminatory language and/or behaviour across our football community. If you wish to make a complaint with regard to discrimination contact in the first instance;
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DURHAM FA EQUALITY POLICY
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBER APPLICATION PACK 2022
You can also report discrimination to the below email or you can click here to find our reporting discrimination form.
Equality and Inclusion is an integral part of the work we do at Durham County FA which is, in part, demonstrated by our active Inclusion and Advisory Group (IAG) which has first came into being at the end of 2016.
A broad based Inclusion Action Plan is being developed through 2021 aimed at bringing together the existing work strands of our IAG; to promote our broad equality agenda which will link to the FA’s four strategic goals of Growth and Retention, Better Players, Running the Game and Raising Standards.
Inclusion and Advisory Group (IAG)
Durham County FA developed an Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) in 2016 with the first meeting of that group taking place on 7th November 2016. The group has continued to meet every three months since that time apart from during 2020 due to Covid-19.
The purpose of our IAG is to support and advise Durham County Football Association; to increase awareness, understanding and knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion so that the organisation can better engage with and thereby better meet the needs of all of our local football communities to help to ensure involvement in the game is available to everyone.
Increasing involvement and increasing diversity in local grassroots football will also improve our football talent pool.
At present, we have sixteen members sitting upon the IAG from a range of backgrounds; including independent members and staff representatives from Durham County FA.
Reports of the work of the IAG are made to Durham County FA Board and Council through the IAG Chair – which for 2021-22 is an Independent Member.
The group work to a Development Plan, which is formed from the work of IAG thematic sub-groups, to steer the work and ensure focus. There are four thematic sub-groups in place through 2021 addressing - Women&Girls; Disability; BAME and LGBT+.
When the group formed in 2016, John Topping, Company Secretary with Durham County FA commented “The IAG has been developed by Durham County FA, involving a number of representatives who can contribute to a range of important issues facing grassroots football, to help our County FA move forward and develop footballing opportunities for everyone in our communities.”
That statement still holds true today and reflects the work undertaken.
Born in Newcastle's West End I attended school and College before leaving aged 19yrs in 1986 to work with HM Customs at Heathrow Airport. Whilst in London I played football for London Airports in national competitions and also in Asian tournaments, nationally representing the Borough of Hounslow.
I returned to the North East in 1992 and joined the Police Service representing both Northumbria and Cleveland in numerous roles. I attended Northumbria University (p/t) and obtained a LLB (law) Honours. I also embarked on a referee career attaining level 4 and described by many as firm but fair (except my son who never likes me shouting advantage!)
I retired in 2019 as a Chief Inspector having spent 3yrs with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Service as an inspection officer. I'm presently working for Durham County Council within residential and safeguarding. I believe in equality of opportunity and working positively with partners.
Made 443 professional appearances, Captain of Sunderland AFC for 5 years , Patron of Show Racism the Red Card for over 20years, Patron of Mind, Ambassador for Durham County FA, Ambassador for the City of Sunderland, Ambassador for St Benedicts Hospice, Manager of Darlington Football Club for 18 months, Joint manager at Exeter City, Director of MGB Academy with Martin Gray. Volunteer at SCSK Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen, supporter of the charity Help Me Out North East which concerns Domestic Abuse, Coach at University of Sunderland, Coach of Westend Ladies football club , Director of Back 2 Basics Coaching Company, work with BBC Radio Newcastle; and also involved in a range of local projects across the North-East
I have always had an interest in grass roots football, playing both for my regiment in the British Army and then, player manager of a team in the local Sunday league. l am more recently known as founder of Durham Pride UK and I am passionate in promoting equality for the LGBT+ community across Durham, Darlington, and the United Kingdom. Through my work with Pride, l hope to raise awareness to improve responses for members of the LGBT+ community, promoting the benefits of true inclusion in all walks of life. Through my work, I strive to bring agencies together to help identify improvements they can make for people who identify as LGBT+, their families, friends and their many allies.
I grew up in a deprived and diverse area of London and throughout my life have used football as a way to improve the lives of youths within the local community, by organising various youth projects with grassroots and professional teams.
When chair of Durham Black and Asian Police Association, I aimed to improve the working environment of staff within the police service and to enhance racial harmony within the local community. I organised regional and national projects/events with the aim of improving equality and diversity across the service. I also worked in partnership with other agencies to promote/ improve their policies on diversity.
I am a retired police officer having served 30 years in Durham Constabulary and the Metropolitan police.
Currently I am working in a local school supporting young people to achieve their full potential. It incorporates a football academy.
I organise various youth projects with local and professional football teams.
I have worked at the County FA since April 2004 and during that time I held a number of Development and Safeguarding roles, these included Assistant Football Development Officer with a focus on Disability Football and Assistant Designated Safeguarding Officer. I was also an FA Tutor delivering both the FA Safeguarding Children and FA Welfare Officer Workshops for 13 years up until December 2020.
“Having been a qualified referee since the age of 14, I now referee in the EFL and have done for the previous 9 seasons. Alongside refereeing professional football, I also act as an FA CORE coach, Durham FA tutor and hold the role as Durham referee development officer. I have always had a passion for refereeing and enjoy the camaraderie of the refereeing family and the opportunities it brings. I have refereed in Iceland and the USA as part of exchange programmes and continue to work within grassroots and professional football around refereeing.
Prior to my role as referee development officer, I worked as a secondary school teacher delivering learning with SEN, EBD and PRU environments.”
I’ve been with Durham County FA almost 24 years starting as Assistant FDO, then Coach Education Officer with the responsibility of organising all Coach Education & Medical Courses throughout the County. This included working with key Stakeholders to meet the needs of our Clubs, Leagues and Educational establishments.
Over the past 6 years as well as being Lead for Coach Education I am also Senior FDO. This role involves managing the football development outcomes that contribute to the FA National Game Strategy; including the growth of Participation ( Disability, Male, Female) and Coach Development. I am also a member of DCFA internal Safeguarding Group which ensures safeguarding is embedded throughout the organisation in accordance with FA safeguarding policy and best practice.
During my time with DCFA I have achieved my ‘A’ License Coaching qualification, was Manager of a very successful County FA U18’s Squad and am an FA Tutor.
My qualifications include BTec Sport Science, HND Sport & Disability Studies and a Degree in Social Studies where I completed a dissertation on disability sport. Prior to my role with Durham County FA I worked with a local authority for 24 years as Development Officer including coordinating a disability sports scheme for children and adults. Alongside the scheme I worked with a staff team delivering community events, school competitions, school PPA cover, children and family health projects and many more. I am a voluntary athletics coach, official and a member of Track Team 500 who support the set up at various events including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, British Champs and Anniversary Games.
Football Development Officer for Male Participation at Durham County FA. Worked at the County FA since 2017, where I have been involved in projects involving: Schools, Colleges and Universities, Walking Football, Just Play, Futsal, Flexible Leagues, Small Sided football, Youth Council, Marketing and Communications, BAME and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Previously studied and worked at Durham University. Was involved in campaigns such as This Girl Can, Rainbow Laces, Show Racism the Red Card and dissertation was on exploring attitudes to racism amongst North East Football Fans.