As part of an ongoing commitment, Essendon Chairman Paul Little has provided an update to members and supporters on the new corporate governance framework and the significant changes implemented in management structure, compliance measures, procurement policies, medical protocols, and reporting procedures at the Club.
Following the events of the AFL/ASADA investigation into the previous supplements program and in response to recommendations provided in the Switkowski Report, the Club has taken the following actions:
- Completed a full review of the football department and football program
- Established a new football department executive with an active role for the Football Director attending monthly meetings.
- Embedded a new football department structure with clear reporting lines, role definitions, the establishment of service level agreements and changes to the coaching structure.
- Reviewed medical policies and procedures with new medical protocol and policy established.
- Reviewed and improved procurement and recruitment policies
- Introduced new internal whistle blower policy
- Improved reporting to the Board across all key areas of the business
- Implemented executive re-structure including the current recruitment of new GM Football & GM People & Culture
- Reinvigoration of cultural framework to embed new organisational values, behaviours and purpose.
- Established Integrity Officer position to oversee policies and procedures, TPP, AFL Rules and Regulations, Medical Protocols, Insurance and Risk management across the business. This position also has a direct communication line with the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Essendon Chairman Paul Little said the changes provided an important platform for the Club to build on for the future.
“We have completed a review of our structure and management, made changes to protocols and procedures and implemented new governance and compliance measures across the entire business,” Little said.
“As a Club, we know these changes will make us stronger and more successful in the future - These are really positive steps towards rebuilding our organisation”
“Most importantly, this is just the start. We will continue to review and improve these measures to prevent the possibility of any reoccurrence of mistakes made in the recent past.”
“We made a commitment to our members and supporters to be open and transparent about what’s happening at the Club and it’s really important that our fans know we have taken significant action following the events of 2012.”
“We acknowledge that mistakes were made, accept responsibility and accountability and have been heavily sanctioned by the AFL. We understand the seriousness of this issue and impact it has had on our supporters, our club, the AFL industry and the wider community.
But we are now focused on the future, rebuilding trust in the community, restoring pride in our Club and repaying the faith of our loyal and passionate fans.
We’ve listened to our fans and we’ve committed to opening up the club, being accessible to supporters, being more transparent with our members and engaging more with our key stakeholders, including the media.
We are working hard at improving our relationship with the AFL including the wider AFL industry and other key stakeholders.
On field performance and resilience of our players is a significant positive to take from the events of last year. There is a great sense of excitement about the 2014 season from everyone involved in the Club.
We have a wonderful new facility, a united coaching group, dedicated staff, loyal membership base and a Board that is totally committed to providing strong leadership and good governance for our Club.
It’s time to 'Don the Sash' with pride and start the journey toward returning our organisation to the powerful, respected and successful football club we all love.”
