By Mark Baber
June 15 – Heather Rabbatts, the FA’s first female non-executive Director and Board member, announced that she is stepping down after over five years at The Football Association.
Rabbatts who was appointed in 2012, served on The FA’s Remuneration Committee and chairs The FA Inclusion Advisory Board. In a letter to the FA Chairman Greg Clarke, Rabbatts expressed “some satisfaction that The FA does now treat seriously the issues of inclusion and diversity” but also said that she remains “frustrated at the lack of progress for BAME coaches and managers in the professional game.”
Rabbatts has also stepped down from her position as Chair of The FA Inclusion Advisory Board, a role that she held since the IAB was formed 2014 and has been replaced by former professional footballer and diversity campaigner, Paul Elliott who has now been appointed as Chairman.
Rabbatts said that: “It has been a privilege to serve as the first woman of colour on the Board of The FA. We have made good progress but there is still much to be done. I believe with the Chairman and Paul Elliott the momentum for change will continue.”
In response, The FA Chairman Greg Clarke, commented: “Heather has been an instrumental figure for The FA since joining us over five years ago and I would like to pass on my thanks and appreciation for her hard work and dedication to English football.
“Heather’s knowledge and experience over those years has been invaluable to The FA. As the first female non-executive Director and FA Board member Heather has been a real leader in the game, and a great support to myself and previous FA Chairman.
“Her impact has been significant, best displayed most recently through her support in getting the new FA Governance reforms ratified. As a result English football will be more inclusive and diverse than ever before.”
Rabbatts’ decision comes in the wake of last month’s approval of new corporate governance proposals which aim to make English football more inclusive, representative and progressive. The FA Board is to be reduced from 12 to 10 members from July 27 and from the start of the 2018-19 season three members of The FA Board will be female.
Black and minority ethnic groups (BAME) are significantly under-represented amongst the Premier and Football League managers (with only three out of 92 managers as of January 2017) and in her letter Rabbatts highlights this problem saying: “This is an issue not just for the clubs and leagues, but also for The FA within its England set up at St. George’s Park… Currently we are in danger of losing, yet again, another generation of ex-players and other BAME individuals who want to play a role and have relevant skills and experience yet increasingly feel excluded.
“I know that there are really good intentions and a desire to make change but tangible action is required. I believe this matter is dear to you and I truly hope that you will be able to make real the wish felt by so many that, as The FA brand states, This Game is For All.”
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