November 25 – West Ham United have become the first Premier League club to be named a White Ribbon accredited employer – a formal marker that the Irons are taking concrete steps to challenge and help end men’s violence against women.
White Ribbon accreditation isn’t a badge handed out for good intentions – clubs are required to meet specified standards including leadership sign-off, staff education, internal safeguarding measures, and visible community engagement.
In practice, it means West Ham are committing to ongoing behavioural training, awareness work and a culture that actively confronts harmful attitudes rather than passively condemning them.
This marks an extension of the work the club have already been putting in – from signing the Women’s Night Safety Charter to delivering empathy and awareness sessions for the men’s first team, Academy and staff. The club say these programmes are designed to create environments where women and girls feel safe, respected and listened to, both inside the club and in the surrounding community.
In a football landscape where the word ‘responsibility’ is thrown around without offering much evidence, this move sets a precedent and places the club on the front foot in an area where leadership is sorely needed.
Vice-Chair, Baroness Karren Brady CBE, said: “I am immensely proud that West Ham United are taking a vital step in becoming the first ever Premier League Club to become a White Ribbon accredited employer. As a Club we take seriously our position as equity leaders, making positive change to ensure equality, fairness, safety and respect is at the forefront at West Ham United, our local community and wider society.
“White Ribbon UK deliver valuable work in their mission to prevent violence against women and girls, as a Club we’re honoured to work alongside them on our shared goals for societal changes and take a more positive approach to gender equality.
“As a football club we are committed to creating a culture where harmful behaviour is called out, the impact of men’s allyship and upstanding behaviour is recognised and encouraged and where anyone experiencing violence or abuse feels able to come forward.”
White Ribbon UK CEO, Lynne Elliot said: “It’s brilliant to see a Premier League club achieve White Ribbon Accreditation. By taking this step, West Ham United are demonstrating a clear commitment to preventing violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys, while also raising awareness of the important work we do.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]