Trust update: 4 December 2023

This is an update for all Sheffield Wednesday fans following the Trust’s recent activity, and specifically regarding the outcomes of our recent Members survey.

Points on the pitch

Firstly, it has been a good week on the pitch – a well deserved point gained against league leaders Leicester City followed by great 3-1 win on Saturday at home to Blackburn Rovers. Let’s keep backing Danny and the lads!

Members survey

The Trust recently issued a survey to our Members, 136 of whom responded to the survey. The number of respondents covers more than 25% of the Trust’s current membership and therefore, statistically, gives us enough backing to carry out the actions described below.

• To set up an Emergency Financial Planning sub-committee
  Over 96% of our Members backed the set-up of this sub-committee. Whilst we hope that any such plans are never needed, current events mean that there is a possibility that some financial planning in a ‘worst case scenario’ may be needed sooner rather than later. We are now in the process of contacting the individuals who have kindly expressed interest in helping form this sub-committee and we are looking to hold an initial meeting next week.
• To continue with plans to form an umbrella fans group
  Over 92% of our Members were supportive of the Trust being involved with the formation of an umbrella fans group and we are now due to meet with the FSA to seek further guidance on how to set-up an umbrella fans group, with the intention of holding an initial umbrella group meeting before Christmas.
• To provide details to the Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) regarding safety concerns at Hillsborough
  Our Members provided various comments regarding match day issues at Hillsborough. These have been passed to the Sports Ground and Events Lead Officer at Sheffield City Council for consideration at the next SAG meeting on 7 December 2023. Broadly, the areas of concern were as follows:

1. Entry to the Kop and North Stand (e.g. number of turnstiles open / stewarding)
2. The standard of stewarding, their training and how conflicts are dealt with
3. Egress from the South Stand exit across the bridge
4. The standard of facilities (e.g. toilets, availability of hot water)

Protests

The last question on the Members survey related to protests. Just under 60% of responses were in favour of the Trust supporting any protests which are arranged by other fan groups, with 26% against supporting protests and 14% responded ‘don’t know’.

After considering the results to this question alongside the comments received from Members, the Trust’s Board has agreed the following:

• The Trust would not be supportive of any protests that could be interpreted as personal attacks against the Club’s Chairman, nor any protests inside the ground and which could potentially disrupt on field action.
• The Trust would consider supporting any protests, and provide related information to Members and Associates, which are properly organised (e.g. planned in conjunction with the police), and which ensure the safety of all participants and others.

More generally, based on the feedback from our members, the Trust’s Board holds the view that any protest actions should be driven by the principles of seeking structured change at the Club, including improved fan engagement and the Club’s overall governance and financial sustainability. We stand against approaches that adopt an 'all or nothing' stance, emphasising instead on the necessity for well thought out strategies and clear objectives. Change is needed, but it has to be the right change, or we risk lurching from one problem to the next.

To be clear, the Trust’s Board is open to backing protests under appropriate circumstances that align with our values and prioritise safety and the well-being of SWFC supporters. Our Members are telling us they are increasingly more open to protest, and we, as always, will follow this democratic approach.

Should you have any questions about this update, then please contact us via email at enquiries@swfctrust.co.uk

Finally, if you want to be kept informed of the Trust’s activities, then you can join for FREE as an Associate. Just follow this link: https://swfctrust.co.uk/join-us/