RFU appoints head of Diversity & Inclusion
Jatin Patel has joined the RFU as head of diversity and inclusion and four new co-opted members have joined the RFU Council.
As an inclusion, diversity, social equality and advocacy professional, Jatin has experience working across the private and charity sectors and in his role at the RFU he will focus on continuing to evolve and drive the D&I strategy across the four strategic pillars; Game Play, Fans/Followers/Partners, Employee and Board and Game Leadership.
As well as Patel's appointment, the RFU has appointed four new co-opted members to the RFU Council.
Following the publishing the RFU’s D&I Action plan in June the RFU Council and its Nominations Committee ran a recruitment process to co-opt four new members on to Council to bring greater diversity into its ranks and build a more inclusive culture within the game’s leadership.
The newly appointed co-opted members are Garnet Mackinder, Roxy Fearon, Yemi Gbajobi and Matthew Webb. They have been co-opted to Council for a fixed term until 31 July 2023.
“We’re pleased to welcome Jatin as the RFU’s first Head of Diversity and Inclusion," said RFU COO/CFO and Executive Lead for D&I, Sue Day, on Patel's appointment.
"His appointment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to increasing diversity in our sport and ensuring it is open and inclusive to all.
"The RFU has a clear strategic objective to drive rugby union in England to reflect the diversity of society and we will be able to draw on Jatin’s wealth of experience in realising our aims.”
Speaking about his appointment Jatin Patel said: “I’m delighted to have joined the RFU and will be supporting all areas of the organisation and the game in becoming more inclusive, making the most of the talent we have and could have, to ensure we create an environment that allows people to feel that rugby is open to them."
HH Jeff Blackett, RFU President said of the new Council appointements: “I’m thrilled to be welcoming Garnet, Matthew, Roxy and Yemi on to Council and have no doubt they will contribute greatly to the role of Council in representing the views of our players, match officials and volunteers across the game.”
For more information about the RFU's focus on Diversity and Inclusion, visit our D&I hub.
