This Charter outlines principal Club commitments and policies in respect of our supporters and provides information regarding various aspects of the supporter experience.
Mission Statement
Huddersfield Town aims to consistently be one of the top 30 clubs in English football in a competitive and sustainable way.
We aim to unite fans, players and staff and redefine what teamwork is all about, making the culture around our football club the standard that all other clubs aspire to attain.
We will do the right thing by our supporters and our community, even when nobody else is there to see it.
We’ll always be positive and enthusiastic, and we’ll never be scared to try and fail.
We have a relentless desire to learn and win!
Objectives
We have five main objectives:
- To develop and maintain a high performing player talent base
- To develop and maintain a profitable and sustainable business
- To ensure the maximum return on the Club’s facilities and assets
- To be a true family and community club
- To develop and retain members of staff
Service and Complaints
Huddersfield Town is committed to providing excellent quality service and welcomes all feedback from supporters. We encourage fans with any queries, issues, concerns or praise to get in touch.
How can I contact the Club with a general enquiry?
Supporters should contact the Club via the appropriate email addresses or contact numbers listed on the ‘Staff Contacts’ section of this Charter.
General enquiries should be initially directed to the Club’s information line via:
Email: info@htafc.com
Telephone: 01484 960 600 (Monday – Friday 9am-5pm)
Twitter: @htafchelp
How can I raise a complaint?
Specific supporter questions, concerns, complaints and feedback should be directed to the Club’s Supporter Liaison Officer Rachel Taylor on supporterservices@htafc.com or by telephone on 01484 960 629. The SLO will act as a point of contact for supporters, liaising with other departments and Club senior management as necessary.
The Club will acknowledge receipt of written enquiries within three working days by telephone, email or letter. If it is not possible to provide a full response at that time, an acknowledgement will be sent, and a detailed reply will follow within 21 working days of receipt of the original communication.
Who can I escalate my complaint to?
We aim to provide a satisfactory conclusion to all complaints, and we hope there isn't a need to move on any further.
However, if a supporter feels that his or her complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily, they can contact The Independent Football Ombudsman.
Email: contact@theifo.co.uk
Telephone: 0330 165 4223
Post: Premier House, 1-5 Argyle Way, Stevenage SG1 2AD
Please note that the IFO is unable to investigate any complaint that has not first been submitted to the Club via the channels above.
Staff Information
Contacts
PA to the Directors – Julie Nolan julie.nolan@htafc.com
Promotions Manager - Karen Haigh karen.haigh@htafc.com
Head of Safeguarding - Karen Crosland karen.crosland@htafc.com
Marketing and Communications Director - David Threlfall-Sykes david.threlfall-sykes@htafc.com
Head of Global Brand - Domenic Notarfrancesco domenic.notarfrancesco@htafc.com
Head of Content - Raj Bains raj.bains@htafc.com
Head of Marketing - Jonathan Wilkinson jonathan.wilkinson@htafc.com
Head of Supporter Experience - Robyn Kennerdale robyn.kennerdale@htafc.com
Supporter Services Manager – Rachel Taylor rachel.taylor@htafc.com
Disability Liaison Officer – Michelle McQueen dlo@htafc.com
Senior Commercial Manager (Hospitality) - Tracy Nelson tracy.nelson@htafc.com
Head of Partnerships and Business Development - Daniel McGeachie daniel.mcgeachie@htafc.com
Head of Retail - Luke Cowan luke.cowan@htafc.com
Head of Ticketing - Gina Buckley gina.buckley@htafc.com
HR Manager - Zoe Shackleton zoe.shackleton@htafc.com
IT Manager - John Armitage john.armitage@htafc.com
Financial Controller- Sasha Dobson sasha.dobson@htafc.com
Football Administration Manager - Karen Jagger karen.jagger@htafc.com
Miller’s Oils High Performance Complex Operations Manager - Lesley Turner lesley.turner@htafc.com
Town Foundation Chief Executive Officer - Siobhan Atkinson siobhan.atkinson@htafcfoundation.com
Staff Conduct
The Club seeks to ensure that the talents of all employees are fully maximised, and that opportunities afforded to employees and prospective employees will be solely on the grounds of merit. To achieve our equality, diversity, and inclusion aims, no employee or job applicant will receive less favourable treatment by the Club in relation to any protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010, or for any other unjustifiable reason. Our ‘Terriers Together’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy sets out our aims and ambitions in relation to diversifying our stakeholder groups and ensuring everyone who engages with the Club is treated with the utmost respect. Our policy and approach apply to all current and prospective employees and workers, and we expect all members of our community to support and uphold our approach.
Communications and Supporter Consultation
Huddersfield Town will strive to communicate proactively and widely with its supporters and stakeholders. We are proud of our relationships with supporter groups and will continue to engage with a cross section of our fans wherever possible. We communicate with stakeholders, supporters and the general public on regular intervals through supporter forums and surveys, and by the publication of current policies on major issues in a clear and precise manner.
All major news and announcements are publicised through the official website (htafc.com), the Club's social media feeds and through the local media.
Information is also passed on through frequent supporters' meetings attended by Club officials, held both in and away from Huddersfield and ad-hoc meetings with individual supporters.
We will use all available media in particular:
- htafc.com
- shop.htafc.com
- Twitter: @htafc, @htafchelp, @htafcbusiness, @htafcmegastore, @htafcfoundation, @htafcpromotions, @htafcacademy
- Facebook (www.facebook.com/htafc)
- Instagram: @htafc, @htafcbteam- Town Square App including push notifications
- YouTube: HTTV
- Spotify / Apple Podcasts: HTAFC Sounds
- TikTok: @htafc
- Snapchat: htafcsnap
- Town Square App including push notifications
- BBC Radio Leeds
- Independent radio networks
- Local papers (including, but not exclusive to, the Huddersfield Examiner)
- Customer Relationship Management - direct email communication to our 320,000 contacts
- SMS
Supporter Consultation
We have a Supporter Services team who manage supporter communication and engagement, to contact them please email supporterservices@htafc.com.
All Together Town
Our ‘All Together Town’ fan engagement programme involves a representative panel of supporters meeting with Club staff and Directors every three months to gain feedback on important issues. External individuals and groups are also invited to attend the meeting depending on the agenda, which is set by supporters as well as the Club. Notes of meetings are published on htafc.com. Surveys are also sent out to the wider fan base at intervals during the season on a wide range of topics.
You can view the ATT Terms of Reference and access notes from previous meetings by clicking HERE.
Ticketing
Huddersfield Town will use all reasonable endeavours to give the earliest possible notice of any changes to its ticketing policy and the reasons for such changes.
All ticket sales are subject to terms and conditions and the stadium regulations. For full details on the ticketing policy please visit the tickets section on the website HERE.
Purchasing a ticket
When there is availability, match tickets can be purchased in several ways, subject to ticket allocation and on-sale dates. Please refer to the Club's communication channels for full ticket details of the relevant fixture.
Before booking home match tickets, please note that the online booking service is the fastest and most effective way of securing your tickets for matches. There may be occasions when it will be a requirement that a previous booking history is required, and we therefore recommend that you have activated your online account and you keep your details up to date. The Ticket Office staff will be happy to help with any queries regarding your account.
Home Match Tickets Terms and Conditions
To view the full terms and conditions for joining us at the John Smith's Stadium, please CLICK HERE.
Buying online
In order to ease ticket purchasing, Huddersfield Town has an online ticket purchase system to satisfy demand and increase speed of purchase. Tickets may be purchased 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Go to our home page, htafc.com
- click on 'Tickets'
- click on the sub heading of 'Buy Tickets Online'.
If you have not purchased match tickets online before and you are already a Season Card holder, you will need to activate your account.
If you are not a Season Card holder or Member, you will need to register your details and create an account before being able to purchase tickets online.
The Clubs ‘Digital Ticketing’ system allows supporters to download their tickets to their smart phone or print their purchased tickets at home (rather than collect from the ticket office or have them posted out). Please note that all online sales will be subject to pre-advertised administration fees.
Buying by telephone
Ticket line: 01484 960606
Buying in person
Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday (home match day): 9am until kick-off, then half an hour after the game
Saturday (no home match day): 9am-noon
Sunday: Closed
Payment Options
All major credit/debit cards are accepted except for American Express and Diners Club Cards.
All card transactions are subject to administration fees as outlined.
In addition, Huddersfield Town offers supporters the chance to pay for their Season Card by instalment plan with V12 Finance over 10 months.
Disabled Access
Details of all ticketing arrangements and disabled support services can be obtained by contacting 01484 960606; by emailing dlo@htafc.com or by post for the Attention of the Michelle McQueen, Disability Liaison Officer, Huddersfield Town, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX.
Please see our Disability Ticketing Policy HERE.
Pricing
Ticket prices in all areas of the John Smiths Stadium for the 2023/24 season are:
Adults - £25
65s and over - £20
18s and under - £15
Under-11s - £10
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over.
Cup Competitions
Tickets for Cup competitions are priced as home League games or, dependent on the stage of the competition and agreement with the opposition, may be reduced.
Concessions
The Club offers concessionary rates on match tickets for Under-11s, 18s and under and 65s and over.
Tickets for disabled fans are available with complimentary access for the companion (this applies to both match tickets and Season Cards).
Away Supporters
The Club abides by the EFL’s regulations governing the allocation of tickets to away supporters when this option is available.
The Club does not charge admission prices to supporters of a visiting club that is higher than those charged to our own supporters for comparable seating. The away supporters' seats are in the Magic Rock Stand (South Stand) and the comparable home area is the Big Red Stand Upper Tier (North Stand). Any concessionary rates offered to senior citizens and junior supporters will apply to supporters of a visiting club.
Away Matches
Tickets are put on sale via the following system:
- Season Card holders AND Blue & White members
- Season Card holders
- Blue & White members
- General Sale
Unwanted tickets should be returned to the Club before tickets go off sale for the away fixture, where, providing the card holder has a genuine reason for returning the ticket(s), a full refund will be given. Any refund request after the event has gone off sale then no refund will be given.
General Sale
Subject to availability and for supporters with a previous booking history.
TV Coverage
Due to TV coverage, certain matches may be subject to change of match date and kick-off time. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to ascertain the rescheduled match date and kick-off time, which is communicated through the Club's communication channels.
Relocating/Returns/Refunds
Every effort is made to facilitate the return and redistribution of unwanted tickets. Following the introduction of legislation to combat ticket touts (section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), any member of the public would be committing an offence if they should offer for sale any ticket that they have purchased.
Unwanted tickets should be returned to the Club before the date of the fixture where, providing the card holder has a genuine reason for returning the ticket(s), a full refund will be given.
If any fixture should be postponed before kick-off, ticket holders will be entitled to admission to the re-arranged match. If the match should be abandoned after kick-off, ticket holders will be entitled to half price admission to the re-arranged game. Should the match be abandoned after the second half has kicked off, then no refund will be given.
Membership Schemes
The Club runs the following membership schemes:
- Season Card holders
- Blue & White Members Club
Equality, Inclusion and Respect
Huddersfield Town advocates for all stakeholders to contribute towards developing and maintaining a culture and environment based on inclusion and respect for others, as set out in our ‘Terriers Together’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. The Company has a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, discrimination, bullying, and harassment and we are committed to ensuring that any such allegations are reported and addressed in accordance with the Club’s procedures; all reported incidents will be reviewed, investigated, and action will be taken as necessary. This policy reflects our commitment to meeting and exceeding the requirements of the Premier League Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard (Advanced Award), and the EFL Code of Practice.
The Club fulfils the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to different (protected) characteristics, including: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership (including same-sex marriage); pregnancy and maternity; race; religion/belief; sexual orientation, and sex. We work hard to ensure that our staff and supporters demonstrate expected standards of behaviour, which are based on the principle of respect for others, and which relate to our inclusion standards and zero-tolerance approach to abuse, discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
Discriminatory language and/or behaviour relating to age, disability, gender and gender identity, race, sexual orientation and any other personal and/or protected characteristic are strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and/or ejection from the Ground. The Club reserves the right to impose any other sanctions as appropriate/necessary, which may include attendance at an educational workshop and/or a ban for one or more matches.
We support the work of national organisations and associated campaigns, including ‘Football vs Homophobia’, ‘Kick it Out’, ‘Show Racism the Red Card’, ‘Level Playing Field’, ‘Women at the Game’, and ‘Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces Campaign’, and we have an annual calendar of events and initiatives designed to educate and raise awareness of different themes related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The Club takes the needs and interests of its staff and supporters seriously and we pride ourselves in having a well-trained team of staff who are equipped to respond to all alleged incidents of abuse, discrimination, bullying, and harassment in a timely and sensitive manner. We also welcome feedback from all parties as to how we can continue to develop our approach to maintaining an environment that is inclusive of everyone.
For more information on the Club’s equality, diversity, and inclusion work, please visit the Terriers Together page HERE.
For the Club’s Terriers Together Strategy document please click HERE.
Incident Reporting
Huddersfield Town Football Club is proud of its reputation of being an inclusive, family friendly, welcoming Club and we work hard under our ‘Terriers Together’ banner to ensure all our stakeholders feel valued and respected.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discriminatory behaviour, including (but not limited to) racial, homophobic/transphobic, sexist, ageist or other discriminatory language or behaviour, and we are committed to making our Stadium incident-free.
Similarly, when engaging with social media relating directly to the Club, whether on our official social media channels or elsewhere, we ask our supporters to behave in a fair, respectful and inclusive manner which is in line with our Club’s values and beliefs as set out in our ‘Terriers Together Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy’, and to refrain from making any discriminatory, abusive, or offensive comments in relation to our staff, players, fellow supporters, and other stakeholders. All communication should be mindful of individuals’ rights to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. We reserve the right to block any individual from commenting on our social media platforms if the principles outlined are not adhered to.
How can I report a match day incident?
Everyone attending a match at our Stadium has the right to feel safe, valued, and included and we encourage supporters to play their part in this by reporting any incidents they are a victim of, or are witness to.
An individual who believes they have been the victim of discrimination, harassment, or abuse on a match day should notify the nearest steward, or alternatively contact the Club’s ‘Tackle and Text’ reporting line on 0774 1528 949 giving full details of the incident and which stand, row, and seat it took place.
The text will go through to the match day safety team who will investigate via steward intervention, direct observation, or remote observation through security cameras.
Alternatively, or if after the match day, individuals can contact supporterservices@htafc.com to report an incident, which the Club will then investigate.
How can I report a social media incident?
We encourage our supporters to use social media in matters relating directly to the Club in a responsible, inclusive, and respectful way, creating an environment of healthy debate and discussion. Huddersfield Town will not accept personal abuse directed at its players, staff, or supporters on social media, in exactly the same way that such language or behaviour are unacceptable inside the John Smith’s Stadium on a match day.
Our advice to fans who receive hurtful, abusive, or discriminatory comments is not to engage directly with those accounts/perpetrators but instead to first report the post or comment to the relevant social media platform following the associated link below, and then to block the user from any further contact.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/help/181495968648557/
Twitter - https://help.twitter.com/en/safety-and-security#sensitive-content
Instagram - https://help.instagram.com/contact/383679321740945
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/intl/en-GB/about/policies/#reporting-and-enforcement
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/37822
Snapchat - https://support.snapchat.com/en-US/i-need-help
TikTok - https://support.tiktok.com/en/privacy-safety/report-inappropriate-content-default
We also encourage supporters to report any incidents witnessed on social media platforms that directly affect Huddersfield Town, staff, players, or supporters via email to supporterservices@htafc.com, sharing details of the incident and screenshots of any offensive social media posts where possible. The Club will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and confirm the next course of action if it intends to investigate further.
Club Action, Appeals and Sanctions Guidelines
Match Day Incidents
If the perpetrators of a match day incident are identified, an investigation will take place and they will be written to with an imposed sanction which can range from exclusion from the match up to an indefinite ban, at the discretion of the Club Safety Officer and in accordance with the Club’s Sanctions Guidelines, please see table below.
An appointment will be made at the earliest opportunity for the perpetrator to meet with the KSDL Safety Officer and HTAFC Operations Director to discuss the incident. In most cases the individual will be required to sign an Appropriate Behaviour Agreement before any exclusion is lifted. If necessary, a second appeal will be heard by an Appeal Board consisting of a senior member of KSDL staff and HTAFC Management teams. Any exclusion will continue until the outcome has been reached. The decision of the Appeal Board will be final.
Where it is considered appropriate, the Club may offer an education course as part of the sanction process, and this will be communicated to the individual concerned in writing in the first instance.
Where the incident of harassment, victimisation, or discrimination amounts to a criminal offence, the appropriate authority will be informed and the Club/KSDL may provide information to these bodies where appropriate.
Social Media Posts
Although it is not possible for the Club to take on the role of policing social media platforms, we will consider taking action against individuals or groups who produce or distribute social media posts that contravene the Club’s Equality Policy and Terriers Together Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, when these come to our attention. We will investigate all complaints or conduct directly involving the Club on a case-by-case basis if the post/s, in the Club’s judgement:
- Seriously and directly contravenes our Club values
- Does so in a way which we believe will or could bring the Club into disrepute, and
- Can be reasonably identified as originating from known supporters of the Club
Actions taken could involve:
- Blocking the individuals or groups from following our official accounts
- Banning the individuals or groups from attending Huddersfield Town AFC matches
- Offering an education course to individuals or groups as part of the sanction process
- Reporting the individuals or groups to the social media platform and to the Police if we feel a crime has been committed
It is not possible for the Club to intervene in every situation, and the decision on whether to take action will remain at the Club’s discretion. Any decision not to act does not constitute an endorsement by the Club of the content under complaint.
Sanctions Guidelines
Please click HERE for the Club’s Sanctions Guidelines.
Designated Football Officer
HTAFC’s Dedicated Football Officer is PC 5082 Harvey Bingham and he can be contacted on harvey.bingham@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please note that if you would like to report a crime, first report to 101 where you will be issued with a crime number to enable the district officers and PC Bingham, where applicable, to investigate.
Kick It Out
Kick It Out, English football’s equality and inclusion organisation also provide a reporting mechanism via an online form which you can access HERE. Additionally, Kick It Out have a Reporting App which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Safeguarding
Parents should be aware of, and appropriately supervise, the use of social media by children who may be particularly susceptible to unpleasant content online. More details about keeping children safe online can be found through the NSPCC and other charities:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
For more information on Safeguarding at Huddersfield Town, please click HERE.
Retail Merchandise
Retail Terms and Conditions
The time limit for returned goods is 28 days after date of purchase.
All goods must be returned in an unworn/unused condition with original packaging (goods will be examined, and a form will be completed).
Proof of purchase is required for cash refunds, otherwise credit note/voucher or replacement goods will be offered.
Refunds will be returned according to original payment method.
If there is no receipt and the price has been subsequently reduced, then only the sale price is given as credit note/voucher or replacement goods. Any goods found to be faulty may be given a cash refund. They must be accompanied by proof of purchase on return.
The Club is unable to exchange or refund a custom printed shirt if the size is incorrect (unless it is faulty) or accept responsibility if a player leaves the Club or changes his squad number.
The Club promises that to its knowledge, its products are:
- Of satisfactory quality and safe to use
- Fit for the purpose for which they are sold
- As described (packaging and signage)
All replica shirts have a lifespan of one season, training kits are also changed annually.
N.B. The kit cycle is dependent on kit and main sponsors. From time to time the Club may introduce one-off limited-edition shirts.
Please note HTAFC may substitute an out-of-stock product for a same priced or more expensive item.
Retail ‘Click & Collect' Terms & Conditions
If you are unable to collect the parcel 30 days after your confirmation email has been sent, the Club will exercise the right to return the goods to store.
Signed Merchandise Policy
The Club receives an extremely high volume of requests of this nature and for this reason sadly we are unable to arrange items for signing or accept items that are sent into us to be signed. Please do not send the club your own merchandise or memorabilia to be signed by players or football staff as we cannot guarantee we will receive your parcel and cannot take responsibility for ensuring its safe return.
The Club will aim to give supporters other opportunities to have items signed at one-off events on occasions, details of these will be announced on our website once confirmed.
The Club may, at its discretion use signed merchandise to raise money for its official charities, for sponsor obligations or for its own promotional purposes.
Charity Request Policy
As organisations, the Club and Foundation are inundated with requests for support from a significant number of local, regional and national charities. It is impossible for us to help every one of them and choosing between them proves to be incredibly difficult. The Club’s official charity is the Huddersfield Town Foundation who carry out a whole range of work in the Kirklees Community. More information about the work of the Huddersfield Town Foundation can be found HERE.
The Huddersfield Town Foundation manage all charitable requests on behalf of the Club. Requests for signed merchandise from registered charities and not for profit constituted community groups are considered monthly. Due to the overwhelming demand, we regret that it is not possible to meet all of the requests we receive. Requests from charities and not for profit constituted community groups based within Kirklees and Yorkshire receive priority support. International requests will not be accepted at this time. Neither the Club or Foundation can provide monetary donations or sponsorship.
The Foundation operates a window for charity requests between August and April and submissions are made by completing the online web form.
Further Details for Charity Requests can be found by clicking HERE.
Safeguarding
The Club believes that the general well-being and welfare of all children, young persons and adults at risk who are involved with the Club in any way, is of paramount importance. Therefore, the Club will provide a safe setting for any child or young person under the age of 18 or adult at risk. It encourages best practice in safeguarding children and adults at risk matters in a spirit of partnership and openness with all children, adults at risk, their families, and local agencies.
The Club will promote good outcomes in terms of health, development and educational achievement alongside football and sporting excellence. It will encourage everyone working for the Club to recognise the significance of ethnic and cultural diversity.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone who has contact with children, young people and vulnerable groups, we provide a positive environment, enjoyable experiences and to protect from harm. The Club safeguarding policy provides details of different types of abuse, guidance on identifying issues and procedures and support for use by staff and volunteers.
Mandatory legislation and best practice underpin the activities which are available at the Club and this policy will help to ensure that responses to activities and issues are consistent considering local authority guidance, law and individual needs across our community.
The Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policies will be evaluated and reviewed annually and will be subject to Board approval to ensure they remain in line with statutory guidance and relevant to the work of the organisation. All other policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they are in line with current guidance and good practice.
To view the Club's Safeguarding Policy in full, click HERE.
Details for reporting safeguarding concerns are shown below:
Any concerns including Match Day and Club matters: Karen Crosland (karen.crosland@htafc.com)
Concerns regarding the Academy: Adam Powell (adam.powell@htafc.com)
Concerns regarding the Foundation: Jackie Edwards (jackie.edwards@htafcfoundation.com)
EFL Ground Regulations
This section will be updated with the 2023/24 ground regulations when they are available.
Data
Huddersfield Town may collect personal information about you whenever you contact the Club, for example, in writing, by phone, fax, e-mail or SMS, or visit the Huddersfield Town websites. The information we may collect includes: (a) your name, age, gender, postal and e-mail addresses, landline, fax and mobile; (b) your membership details (c) the username and password you use to access restricted areas of the Huddersfield Town website.
Huddersfield Town, its affiliated companies and sponsors may use your information: (a) to contact you with news and features concerning Huddersfield Town; (b) to contact you with details or products and services which may interest you; (c) to process any transaction you make with us: and (d) to personalise the content of our website in accordance with your preferences.
Except as set out in the above, we will not disclose or share your information with any third party, except where required by law or in connection with the sale of all (or substantially all) of the Club's assets.
If you have already registered for such additional offers and wish to change your preferences, please email data@htafc.com.
You have a right to ask for a copy of your information and to correct any inaccuracies; please write to or email the Club.
To view the Club’s Privacy Policy please click HERE.
Modern Slavery Statement
The Huddersfield Town Association Football Club Limited Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.
The Huddersfield Town Association Football Club Limited (“HTAFC”) recognises that respect for human rights is an integral part of its corporate social responsibility, as an EFL Championship football club.
HTAFC takes its responsibilities seriously and as such has fostered an organisational culture in which the dignity and human rights of all stakeholders are paramount and are respected by all. We believe that conducting business with strong moral principles and standards is fundamental to the ongoing development of our culture.
HTAFC is also subject to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and we are committed to ensuring compliance with this legislation in all aspects of our organisation. We are also committed to working with the organisations in our supply chain, and other partner organisations, to prevent any of their workers being subjected to modern slavery.
This statement sets out the actions that HTAFC has taken to understand all potential modern slavery risks in relation to our organisation, and to put measures in place to ensure that there is no slavery and/or human trafficking in our business and supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities of the Club during the financial year up to and including 1 July 2024.
Equality
Our approach to modern slavery is consistent with our commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and our zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
We have a zero-tolerance approach towards abusive and/or discriminatory language and behaviour. We actively promote equality and celebrate diversity as demonstrated through our work towards achieving the Advanced Award of the Premier League Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard, being a Disability Confident Leader, a Mindful Employer, a Menopause Friendly Employer, and a supporter of the Muslim Athlete Charter. We support of a range of organisations and campaigns including Level Playing Field, Rainbow Laces, International Women’s Day, Kick it Out, and Show Racism the Red Card.
HTAFC plays an integral role within the local community. We are proud of our reputation of creating and developing community cohesion throughout the town and the wider locality. Football itself plays a unique role in bringing people together from a wide range of different backgrounds and can provide opportunities for all sections of the community to engage with the Club and participate in the community programmes provided by our charity, the Huddersfield Town Foundation.
Supplier Code of Conduct
We are continuing to review our Service Level Agreements with suppliers, and at the time of renewing these we will ensure that suppliers agree to comply with a Supplier Code of Conduct, which will require all third parties working with HTAFC to comply with all labour laws in the jurisdictions where they operate, and to take appropriate steps to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in their own supply chains.
HTAFC is committed to undertaking increased levels of due diligence on all proposed third parties prior to entering into agreement with them to ensure that those third parties connected to HTAFC conduct themselves in a manner conducive to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and to other prominent legislation such as the Equality Act 2010.
Supplier Mapping and Risk Assessment
We have commenced the process of mapping out our first-tier supply chain in order to identify any risks that require attention. This exercise will inform the development of an ongoing programme that ensures our systems:
- Identify, assess, and monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains
- Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains
- Protect whistle-blowers
At HTAFC we are taking a whole organisational approach to ensure the mapping process is thorough and all-encompassing across the business. Throughout this process we will continue to assess and mitigate any of those risks that are highlighted.
Conducting ethical audits will form part of our contracting process with suppliers and we will support them as far as possible to ensure they are compliant with the legislation and our own requirements for ethical conduct in business, as well as assisting them in identifying any areas of risk in their own supply chains, to mitigate the risk of modern slavery occurring.
Contracts and Procurement
Our contractual and procurement approach has always been to try and include relevant and binding provisions in our key external supply contracts to ensure our suppliers and our partners trade ethically. These protections will continue to be included in all key external supply contracts and/or Service Level Agreements going forward. We will review the language in our supply contracts at each term of renewal, or when entering into a new contract, to ensure that third parties warrant their compliance to the Act in all dealings with or on behalf of HTAFC and to increase the robustness of HTAFC’s audit rights in respect of our supply contracts so if we suspect or have reason to suspect non-compliance, we can act swiftly and accordingly.
Training and Awareness
To ensure that our staff understand and are aware of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking and can assist us in preventing these, both in our business and in our supply chain and the businesses of our partners, we will provide training to representatives from our Board of Directors and Trustees, Heads of Department, and other managers.
HTAFC will continue to take specialist legal advice to ensure it is informed of any updates or changes to its obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
HTAFC remains committed to upholding human rights and safety in our supply chain and we will review our progress and effectiveness in combatting slavery and human trafficking on an annual basis.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Act and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 1 July 2024.
