Gillingham Football Club has been awarded Bronze status under the EFL Equality Code of Practice, recognising the Club’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, both on and off the pitch.
As part of the Equality Code of Practice, Clubs are encouraged to understand their local communities better and focus on addressing areas of under‑representation that are most relevant to their area.
EFL's Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McArdle, said:
“The EFL has a proud and diverse fan base, and it is important that our clubs reflect the communities they represent, both on and off the pitch.
“The Equality Code of Practice is about helping clubs make meaningful, long‑term progress on equality, diversity and inclusion. It provides a clear framework while allowing each club to focus on the needs of their own communities.
“Each club’s result is a reflection of the commitment, hard work and impact they deliver every season and they should be proud of the progress they have made.”
First introduced in 2012, the Equality Code of Practice became a multi‑level accreditation scheme in the 2022/23 season and is now mandatory for all EFL Clubs. The framework helps Clubs track their progress and continue improving year on year, with assessments taking place every other season and a dedicated development year in between.
Dan Lambert, the club’s lead EDI Officer, said: “I am delighted that once again we have achieved Bronze EDI compliance as part of the EFL's Equality Code of Practice. Building on the work that was submitted to the league during the 23/24 audit season, we are extremely happy and proud with the ongoing sustained efforts from our EDI advisory group. We are told that our submission was strong and that is testament to our team who have worked very hard on their respective areas.
“We now look ahead to our next development season, taking place during the 26/27 campaign, to build on the strong foundation that has been built over the last four seasons. Starting in August, we hope to continue the important and vital work we are doing into our next audit season, which will be during the 2027/28 season.”
Co-owner, and EDI Champion, Shannon Galinson, said: “We take EDI extremely seriously at the Football Club, we have regular meetings to discuss our progress across every department and I am delighted to have received Bronze status as the staff has worked so hard to ensure that we are compliant in every possible area.
“We will continue to build on this fine work and I applaud our staff for the hours they have put in to achieve this status.”
