Wolves are one of at least ten EFL clubs involved in a new scheme aimed at tackling the under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The new measures, approved at the EFL AGM today, will take immediate effect, and include the introduction of mandatory new recruitment practices for coaching positions in Academy football and a Voluntary Recruitment Code in first team football, which will be piloted by at least 10 clubs during 2016/17.
Wolves are among those ten clubs piloting the Voluntary Recruitment Code.
Having given 'in principle' support to the introduction of positive action measures aimed at promoting diversity in coaching positions 12 months ago, clubs have now formally endorsed a set of proposals finalised during the 2015/16 season by a working party of clubs, led by their departing Chairman, Greg Clarke.
Wolves CEO Jez Moxey said: “We very much welcome the EFL’s efforts to tackle the clear under-representation of coaches and managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
“Wolves recently became one of the first clubs in the country to receive the equality and diversity code of practice standard, which is run by the EFL and Kick it Out.
“Therefore, we were very keen to also put Wolves forward as one of the BAME pilot clubs.
“The EFL’s BAME strategy will ensure a consistent and best practice approach throughout football, which can hopefully achieve positive change.”
In welcoming the support of clubs for the proposals, Greg Clarke said: "It is absolutely essential that EFL clubs continue to reflect the communities in which they are based.
"This includes ensuring that recruitment practices are open to all and transparent with appointments being made on the basis of merit alone.
“It is clear to us that we currently have an under-representation of BAME managers and coaches at club level and it is therefore the right time to take proportionate action to ensure the best talent, from all backgrounds, is given a fair opportunity to enter and progress through the system.
"I believe this is an important moment for sport in this country and I'm very proud that it is our clubs that are leading the way.
"They have done the right thing and deserve considerable credit. "I would like to offer my thanks to all those who have contributed to our work including the NFL, whose Rooney Rule provided the inspiration, as well as EFL clubs, the FA, the Premier League, LMA, PFA, the Sports Peoples' Think Tank and Kick It Out, whose chairman, Lord Ouseley, provided sound advice throughout."
Mandatory Requirements at Academy level Under EFL regulations:
* Clubs will be required to advertise any position within the club’s Academy that requires the individual to hold a UEFA A or UEFA B coaching badge on the club’s website and The Football League website for a minimum of seven days.
* Clubs must ensure that at least one suitably qualified BAME candidate (where an application has been received) is included on the interview shortlist for that position.
* Clubs must appoint the successful candidate on the basis of merit alone.
* Clubs must provide details of the recruitment process to the EFL including the number of BAME applicants and the number of BAME candidates interviewed.
* Clubs will be permitted to fill a position by promoting an internal candidate (from a position requiring a UEFA A or B coaching badge only) without applying the above process. However, the position vacated by that individual must be filled in accordance with the new regulations.
Voluntary Recruitment Code in First Team Football
* During the season, clubs will be expected to interview a BAME candidate for any First Team managerial/coaching role (where an application has been received) in instances where they run a full recruitment process.
*During the close season, clubs will be expected to run a full recruitment process for any First Team managerial/coaching role during which they must interview one or more BAME candidates (where an application has been received).
Clubs piloting the Voluntary Recruitment Code during 2016/17:
Championship: Birmingham City, Fulham, Huddersfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers
League One: Chesterfield, Coventry City, Millwall and Peterborough United
League Two: Accrington Stanley and Carlisle United.
