Brentford receives Premier League intermediate award for equity, diversity and inclusion | OneFootball

Brentford has been awarded the intermediate level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS).

The accreditation was formally presented to the club’s equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team before kick-off at Sunday's fixture against Chelsea at Gtech Community Stadium.

The Premier League’s David Reubain, chair of the PLEDIS panel, and Kuljit Randhawa, head of diversity and inclusion strategy, were on hand to present the award.

Led by EDI director Kaammini Chanrai, the team includes EDI manager Rhiannon Maher and events and engagement executive Emma Caney.

PLEDIS launched in 2021 to build on the Premier League equality standard, which was created in 2015.

All Premier League clubs, and some EFL clubs, work towards achieving the preliminary, intermediate and advanced levels of the standard.

PLEDIS provides a framework to help clubs progress EDI across all areas of their business, including the work of their community trust or equivalent charitable arm.

Brentford received the preliminary award after two seasons in the Premier League in January 2023.

Kaammini Chanrai, Brentford’s EDI director, said: "We are pleased to receive the intermediate PLEDIS award and grateful to the Premier League for recognising our efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“At Brentford, fostering an environment of equity and inclusion is a top priority. We take pride in our diverse community and are committed to ensuring that all fans, staff, and players feel welcome and valued.

"While this award marks an important milestone, our work in this space continues. We remain dedicated to making our club and this sport accessible, inclusive, and supportive for everyone."

Kuljit Randhawa, Premier League’s head of diversity and inclusion strategy, added: "We are proud to award Brentford Football Club the intermediate level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.

"Brentford have demonstrated innovation and leadership in embedding inclusion and equity across both the club and its Trust, with authentic fan engagement and community connection evident throughout.

"The PLEDIS panel commended Brentford’s proactive approach to addressing underrepresentation through data driven decisions and strong EDI governance, complemented by impactful initiatives such as the anti-racism inclusive leadership programme.

"The club’s commitment to developing inclusive leaders and embedding shared values across all levels and areas of the club was evident from the boardroom to the training ground and academy.

"We congratulate the club for their vision, dedication, and hard work. We look forward to their continued leadership in advancing EDI and ongoing engagement with PLEDIS, underpinned by Brentford’s values of togetherness, respect, and progressiveness."

Professor David Reubain, chair of the PLEDIS panel, said: “The panel were very impressed by Brentford's submission for the intermediate level award of the PLEDIS, demonstrated by active and sincere engagement from the board of directors, which ensures a strong culture of shared values that align with the framework and the club’s ambition.”