The Premier League has launched its brand new Fan Engagement Standard (FES).
The FES is the latest in a series of league-wide measures designed to reinforce clubs' commitment to ensuring long-term meaningful engagement with supporters.
Supporters can view the new FES here.
Clubs initially endorsed the development of the FES at the Premier League AGM in June 2022 and it is being introduced following a period of detailed planning.
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, said: "Supporters have always been the lifeblood of football and Premier League fans are known around the world for their passion and enthusiasm.
"There is no doubt they are essential to the ongoing success of the game, so I am delighted to introduce the new Fan Engagement Standard.
"It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands, but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs.
"The Standard puts structures in place to establish consistency across the league and improve transparency.
"Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next step in enhancing these collective efforts.
"It builds on existing work and is integral to ensuring fan consultation and regular dialogue is embedded across all policies and practices."
The FES introduces a framework which clubs will follow when designing and implementing their own individual approaches to fan engagement.
The FES has five themes, each linked to a series of core commitments and activities.
Collectively, these form a baseline for club engagement that sets minimum standards, with defined methods of consulting, reporting and review, each designed to promote transparency and continuous improvement.
WHAT IS NEWCASTLE UNITED DOING IN RELATION TO THE FES
Newcastle United has published an update on its own work to date on the FES, which you can read here.
This sets out the club's approach to key areas, including the establishment of a Fan Advisory Board.
Prior to the start of season 2023/24, for the first time all clubs will publish a Fan Engagement Plan, setting out their own approach to FES activity throughout the season.
The strategy at each club will be led by a nominated Board-level official to oversee fan engagement and the operation of the Fan Advisory Board.
Newcastle United's Board-level representative will be the club's CEO, Darren Eales.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
The Premier League will work with clubs to evaluate the outputs of the FES and to promote good practice among club staff and fan group representatives.
Across the remainder of the current season, selected clubs will assist in developing a method of assessment.
This will help the league to determine how clubs will report on the FES and how to shape any related recommendations for improvement.
In the long-term, the league will also work with clubs and other stakeholders to ensure the FES framework continues to reflect good practice, incorporating elements such as training courses and linking with other league initiatives including the Fans Fund.
HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?
Consultation is at the heart of the FES and every fan is encouraged to have a voice by actively participating in any engagement activity promoted by your club or affiliated fan groups.