Our Governance Hub
Welcome to our Governance Hub, where we take pride in transparency, accountability, and effective leadership through our refined Corporate Governance structure.
Though often overshadowed by the glamour of our glossy business strategies and day to day interactions within grassroots football, effective corporate governance stands as the unsung backbone of our success, quietly ensuring stability, integrity, and ethical conduct in across our business operations.
At the heart of our organisation lies a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and ethical practices in all facets of football administration, governance, and development. We are committed to achieving a governance framework meticulously designed to ensure the highest standards of decision-making, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
Our governance structure encompasses a Board of Directors, responsible for strategic oversight and decision-making, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and values. Comprising experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds, the Board brings a wealth of expertise to guide the company in achieving its objectives. Through regular meetings and open communication channels, the Board strives to maintain transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.
In addition to the Board, the West Riding FA adheres to a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. These policies cover various aspects, including financial management, safeguarding and equality, ensuring that our operations are applied consistently and conducted with the highest ethical standards.
Our structure is shaped by the legal standards set forth in the Companies Act 2006 and is guided by the FA Code of Governance and Safeguarding 365 Standard (S365). These regulatory frameworks serve as the foundation for our practices, ensuring that we operate within the parameters of the law and adhere to best practices in football/sports governance.
As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, we have set a target to achieve full compliance with the FA Code of Governance by December 2024. This commitment underscores our dedication to upholding the highest standards in governance, reflecting our responsibility to our members, stakeholders, and the broader football community.
We invite you to explore our governance structure further, as we continue to embrace the principles of the FA Code of Governance and continue to strive to enhance our governance structure for the betterment of the game locally.
our five pillars
STRUCTURE
PEOPLE
COMMUNICATION
STANDARDS AND CONDUCT
POLICIES AND PROCESSES
For ease of navigation, see below where to find specific documents (they will be available on the page or via associated links on the page):
| Page | Documents for download |
| Principle 01: STRUCTURE | • Membership Rules • Articles of Association • Business Strategy 2021-2024 • Working Groups – Terms of Reference • Corporate Governance Structure • Board Terms of Reference • Reserved Matters for the Board • Board Standing Orders • Division of Responsibility: The Board and The Executive • Directors Handbook • Terms of Reference for Board Committees • Committee Membership |
| Principle 2: PEOPLE | • Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Plan • Race Equality Plan • Selection and Recruitment Policy – Directors • Director Induction Procedure • Director Job Role Profiles • Board Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Framework • Board Training Policy • Director Appraisal Process • Terms of Reference - Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) • Terms of Reference - Community Ambassador Group (CAG) • Board and Committee Evaluation Policy and Procedures • People Plan • Selection and Recruitment Procedure – Employees • West Riding FA Staff • Staff Structure • Directors Declaration • Employee Guide |
| Principle 3: COMMUNICATION | • Annual Report 2020-21 • Annual Report 2021-22 • Audited Accounts 2021-23 (18 months) • Governance Progress Timeline 2019-2024 • Stakeholder Engagement Strategy • Youth Engagement Strategy • Board Summary Minutes (Smartsheet Link) • Committee Summary Minutes (Smartsheet Link) |
| Principle 4: STANDARDS AND CONDUCT | • Board Annual Appraisal Framework • Board Declaration of Interest • Code of Conduct – Staff • Code of Conduct – Directors • Annual Safeguarding Briefing – Volunteers • Conflict of Interest Policy |
| Principle 5: POLICIES AND PROCESSES | • Companies Act - Duties and Liabilities of Directors. • Health and Safety Policy • Equality and Diversity Policy • Whistleblowing Policy • Data Protection and GDPR Policy • Complaints Process • Bribery and Anti-corruption Policy • Gifts and Hospitality Policy • Safeguarding and Adults at Risk Policy • Financial Operating Procedures Manual • West Riding FA Risk Policy • Board Expense and Remuneration Policy |