In June of this year the EFL introduced new regulations to require clubs to produce and deliver a Fan Engagement Plan (FEP) from this season onwards. Publication of the FEP will be required on an annual basis and it must be overseen by a senior club official.
However, Charlton Athletic and CAST agree that supporter engagement is not something you should do because you must. You do it because it makes the club stronger
CAST, along with representatives from the Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), the former Fan Advisers and others has been working with the club’s directors during the summer with the aim of developing a FEP which would ensure transparency and opportunity for supporter involvement in not only day to day matters but also the strategic direction of the club. As the original community club, our club is always at its best when supporters, the community and the club all pull together.
We are pleased that the directors were receptive to suggestions including those from the Football Supporters Association who have been invited by other clubs and supporters’ trusts to help with fan engagement. We do feel that what has been presented should provide a structure which is appropriate and proportional, and which should offer opportunities for involvement on many different levels.
We are hopeful that a good number and cross-section of fans participate in the Fan Meetings and Working Groups as well as fan groups at the Supporters Forum. CAST intends to participate at all levels of fan engagement.
The two CAST members for the Charlton Advisory Board will be drawn from the democratically elected board members. One position will go to the chair and the other will be selected from the remaining board members via a vote of board members.
CAST board members will not vote in the election of other elected fan reps to the advisory board.
The process to date has helped strengthen relationships between CAST and club and we hope to use this as the foundation for constructive future dialogue and engagement.
The club's announcement:
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/charlton-launch-new-advisory-board