As CoChair of the DSB and representing the DSA, I have sat on the ISC since it's inception back in 2021. I have spent many hours in meetings both in person & virtually over the last three years, as we have worked towards an improved matchday experience, across many areas for West Ham Utd fans.
I have previously shared the expectation of the Premier League's Fan Engagement Standards that all Clubs should have a Fan Advisory Board (FAB) in place. We were led to believe that the ISC would "evolve" into the FAB.
This week the Club has intimated the ISC is no longer recognised as the collective of fan groups we have been previously meeting the Club as. This is the same collective that has been asking questions of the Club in regards to the changes to concession pricing and the associated seating bands, subjects that very much affect us as accessibility supporters.
The Fan Advisory Board remains unestablished , leaving WHU without a robust supporter representation.
As the WHUDSB we remain proud of the relationship we have forged with the Club and the Accessibility Team, and the initiatives we have been involved with to further improve the matchday experience for disabled supporters and we very much hope to be part of the new Fan Advisory Board. However, we are disappointed in the way the ISC appears to have been dropped with the work, time and dedication given by the representatives, seemingly disregarded.
Please do watch the ISC website & associated Social Media for these updates and more....
Cathy Bayford, CoChair WHU DSB. June 2024
