Rob Fisher blogs on his experience of the Fans' Forum recruitment process and why he is encouraging Blues to put themselves forward ahead of Friday's deadline...
A year ago, I applied to join the Everton Fans’ Forum and, really, I did not know what to expect.
Fortunately, I passed the first stage after applying and got invited to an interview with the Chair and both Vice Chairs of the Forum.
I knew who all three were and had briefly had a conversation with all of them separately at some point. But what I really wanted to know was what influence and engagement do you actually gain from being involved on the Forum?
I was surprised at the wide range of topics and projects the Forum engages with the Club on, and how much impact the Forum members can have on these.
On the other hand, all three were quick to point out how much time and communication is required of you to really have an impact on the Forum over the three seasons you are a member.
Following the interviews, all the candidates chosen were passed on to the voting stage of the recruitment and, for the first time in my life, I felt like an MP on election day! Fortunately, I had a lot of support from my Supporters’ Club, Toffees In London, and various contacts I had made in setting that up, as well as other Blues. I was delighted to make it into the top three and be formally invited to be a member of the Fans’ Forum.
All in all, the recruitment process felt smooth and quick. From applying to being voted on only took three or so weeks.
One of the keys of the Forum is representation of particular fanbase areas, and this was witnessed just before I joined the Forum with Everton becoming the first Premier League team to commit to a Her Game Too partnership – something that was orchestrated by Forum members. Since then, we have continued that partnership, as it goes from strength to strength, and will continue to promote diversity and inclusivity for all Everton fans, which includes the work we do through our Evertonians Against Hate and international fan project groups.
Other Fans’ Forum project groups include matchday experience, the new stadium, retail, Everton for Change (environmental impacts) and atmosphere.
As we approach the final stages of the stadium move, it has been fantastic to be involved in some of the processes the Club are utilising to ensure the move happens as smoothly as possible - and that fans are consulted on details that are important to all of us.
This has included being advised of survey results before release and what this will mean going forward, as well as presentations on, for example, the lounge, bar and restaurant experiences that will be on offer at the new stadium.
While it was a difficult season on and off the pitch, it has been great to work with other Forum members and the Everton Fan Engagement team on real issues and opportunities for the fanbase.
If you feel you can add your experiences to the Forum team and want to have a crucial input into one of the most exciting times for Evertonians as we move to the new stadium, then I would really encourage you to apply for the Forum. It is a fantastic opportunity to play a role in shaping initiatives and decisions that impact us all.
Rob Fisher, Everton Fans' Forum
