Applications for West Ham United’s new Official Supporters’ Board (WHUSB) and Disabled Supporters’ Board (DSB) are open now!
Hammers fans who want to play their part in shaping the future of their football club can do so by applying to join one of the new and improved consultation groups, which were launched this week following extensive feedback with West Ham supporters, the Premier League and Visit Football (the Premier League’s Quality Assurance Stadium Scheme).
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has been a driving force behind the Club’s long-standing consultation model, the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB), and says the WHUSB, DSB and JSB will continue to help fans liaise with one another, build relationships and provide their views and suggestions to the Board of Directors.
Apply to join the Official Supporters' Board here!
“The Board are listening to the Club’s supporters and trying where possible to bring the changes they want,” said the Vice-Chairman. “These initiatives will further diversify the groups of fans who have a real voice at West Ham United.
“Over its eight years in existence, the SAB served as the catalyst for many changes which have made a very real difference to the supporter experience at both the Boleyn Ground and London Stadium, and we thank SAB members for their valuable experience and input.
Apply to join the Official Supporters' Board on behalf of a Supporters' Group here!
“However, it was felt that the process needed to be expanded and improved, with a new WHUSB representing the wide fanbase, with an elected chair and vice-chair, and DSB and JSB focusing on the issues particularly affecting accessibility and younger fans respectively. These two groups will also feed the into the main WHUSB.
“We look forward to receiving applications from across the supporter spectrum and working together with West Ham fans in the future for this great football club.”
Apply to join the Disabled Supporters' Board here!
A huge number of improvements have been made following recommendations from the SAB and DSAB.
These include an increase in the number of matchday Supporter Liaison Officers and Accessibility Shuttle Buses and an expanded product range in Official Club Stores, improved maintenance of the Boleyn Ground Memorial Garden and better facilities for accessibility supporters.
Heritage displays, bubble machines and concourse shelving have all been installed at London Stadium, where supporters have also been able to take advantage of special offers on food and drinks and replica kit.
Members also played a central role in planning and activating the events which marked the Club’s final season at the Boleyn Ground, and have more recently played an influential role in shaping and continually developing the Supporter Services online helpdesk and @WestHamHelp twitter account.
Official West Ham United Supporters’ Club secretary Donna Heuerman welcomed the launch of the new consultation groups, saying: “‘The Official West Ham United Supporters Club is pleased to be involved with the new Supporters’ Board process, which helps the fans have an input into issues affecting the matchday experience and the club in general."
Mandy Lane, director of the Premier League’s quality assurance stadium scheme Visit Football, praised the club’s commitment to communicating to its wide fanbase.
“The Premier League’s VisitFootball programme, designed to aid, improve and raise the profile of supporter services and facilities at Clubs is now a key driver for improvement at West Ham United,” she said. “Observing action plans being delivered, and healthy debate at debriefs shows the commitment the club has in delivering the best fan experience they can. I am delighted to be involved in the Supporters’ board process, another positive step being taken.”
The WHUSB will meet for the first time on Thursday 29 November 2018.