Bournemouth University (BU) students studying at The Business School have been working with AFC Bournemouth (AFCB) as part of their ongoing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) focus group collaboration. The collaboration, now in its second year, involves students working with staff across the Premiership football club to improve their work in the areas of EDI. This year the students have been working with the EDI and Engagement and Commercial and Partnerships teams to strengthen AFCB’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The collaboration has seen Bournemouth University Business School students studying on a variety of programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, work with the club to review their current practices and policies and to identify additional ways for AFCB to position EDI at the heart of their operations.
This year the work has focussed on maximising the impact of charity partnerships and creating innovative engagement strategies around EDI work with existing partners. Students brought the skills and knowledge that they have developed while studying subjects such as Sport Management, Events Management, Business and Management, Marketing, Tourism, and Hospitality.
The collaboration was the vision of Principal Academic in Leadership, Dr Parisa Gilani and Head of EDI and Engagement, Hannah Powis and is supported by colleagues Rob Mitchell from AFCB and Dr Keith D. Parry, Dr Deborah Taylor, Dr Lucy Sheppard-Marks, Dr Payam Ansari and Associate Professor Emma Kavanagh at BU.
Rob Mitchell, Commercial Director at AFCB said: “As a club, we are so proud of our ongoing partnership with Bournemouth University and the opportunities it provides for us to collaborate with staff and students. Building on the success of last season’s focus group, this year has provided a platform to engage in insightful conversation with students around the club’s EDI and commercial direction. It has been a privilege to hear the students’ ideas, many of which will be taken forward. We are hugely grateful to Parisa and her colleagues for facilitating the focus groups and look forward to working together in the future.”
Dr Parisa Gilani commented: “For the second year running these focus groups have provided students with real life experience in identifying, enhancing and embedding diverse and inclusive practices across AFCB. This is something that not only enhances their student experience, but their employability. We would like to thank Hannah, Rob and the wider team for their time, commitment and support. We look forward to building on this important relationship in the future.”
BU student Vanessa Susanto who is currently studying for a Masters in Tourism Management said: “I found the two-way engagement in the AFCB, EDI focus groups to be very active and enriching. The discussions were lively, and it was clear that everyone's voice was valued. We truly felt heard and treated as equals by the directors and other stakeholders in the room. It was a new and exciting experience for me to contribute ideas to a Premier League club, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful initiative.”
BSc Sports Management student Vicky Shurey from BU said: “I found the focus group an amazing experience for me to learn more about the business and behind-the-scenes activities of a Premiership football club. It is also great to see the amount of community input they seek.”
Bournemouth University is the official higher education partner of AFC Bournemouth. The partnership is now in its 13th year, with an agreement in place for next season too. This partnership creates a range of opportunities for students including projects and placements.
