West Ham United have begun the search for Fan Advisory Board members, which provides a unique and exciting opportunity for supporters to make their voice heard at the heart of the Club.
The new Fan Advisory Board (FAB) will be West Ham United’s primary mechanism for formal consultation and engagement, with representatives sharing their views on issues which impact the Club’s fanbase, including the Club strategic vision and objectives, London Stadium plans, operational matchday processes and any proposals relating to Club heritage items.
The FAB will also be consulted on the Club’s short, medium and long-term strategy, equality, diversity and inclusion commitments, the communities’ strategy and West Ham United’s plans for broader supporter engagement.
West Ham United are keen to include supporters of all different ethnicities, religions and cultures to help shape the future direction of a world-leading Club anchored in Newham, the heart of London – one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world.
The Club has worked for 12 months with fan representatives from a variety of backgrounds, including the groups within the Independent Supporters Committee (ISC) supported by the Football Supporters Association (FSA), to create the Terms of Reference for the FAB. The new body will be a mixture of long-established fan rep groups and our Claret Membership base, alongside important voices from the West Ham Women Supporters' Board, Junior Supporters' Board and a representative for our overseas supporters.
West Ham United Vice-Chair Karren Brady said: “At West Ham United, our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and we are excited to begin our search for new Fan Advisory Board members to play a key role in the Club.
“The Fan Advisory Board will be a positive, constructive and collaborative forum that will support us to achieve for the wider benefit of the West Ham fanbase. We are looking forward to meeting with Supporter Representatives on the issues which impact the West Ham fanbase and delivering on what our supporters want.
“If you are interested in getting more involved in improving the experience on behalf of the wider fan base, I would encourage you to reach out and apply for this unique opportunity.
“I would also like to thank the all of our supporter groups for their ongoing collaboration to get to this place. I know how much time and commitment this process has taken.”
Ashley Brown, of the FSA, spoke of the process undertaken to develop the FAB: “It is positive to see such thorough and constructive dialogue between fans and the Club in working to develop the FAB structure. I believe this joint work ethic can continue and further evolve for the benefit of both West Ham United and the fans. The FSA will continue to offer support and advice as required and I look forward to working with all parties.”
Andy Payne, Hammers United Committee Member and Chair of the Independent Supporters’ Committee, the Club’s former mechanism for structured dialogue, added: “I would encourage any West Ham fan who are passionate about improving the experience for fans to apply to join to the FAB.
"Having worked on the ISC for 18 months, which contains many of the Supporter Representatives who will be joining the FAB, I can say it is hard work and any candidate will need to put plenty of time and commitment into the cause for sure. But if you are confident, believe in democratic representation, transparency and accountability I would urge you to consider applying.
"As part of the first meeting, we will also be taking a vote on whether the Away Season Ticket Holders should have a dedicated place on the FAB, so there may well be more opportunity for additional supporters to be involved in the future.”
Applications will open on Tuesday 9 July for our International Supporters and Claret Membership positions. Emails will be sent to all eligible candidates inviting them to apply for the respective positions. Ensure you are registered to receive emails from the club by clicking here.
