Doncaster Rovers have begun the process of migrating the current Supporters Board into a ‘Shadow Board’ in line with the recommendations of the fan-led review into football governance.
The Supporters Board was formed in 2016 and has helped shape club decision-making and policy in the last few years.
And the decision has been taken to further cement the active and productive engagement between club and supporters with the move to a Shadow Board.
The current Supporters Board have previously influenced matters such as the current season ticket pricing scheme, the refunds policy for unused season tickets during the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of unreserved seating in the south stand.
The fan-led review, led by Tracey Crouch MP and published in November, recommended the creation of elected shadow boards as a means to improve transparency between clubs and supporters.
Rovers began the process of migrating to a Shadow Board in January.
The first major step to the formation saw Derek Daniels elected as chairman in March, with James Errington becoming vice chair.
Existing members of the current Supporters Board who represent a variety of Rovers fan organisations will be migrated into the new shadow board to ensure a seamless handover period. The Shadow Board will then review any other positions required in the coming weeks to ensure further representation of key groups.
Following an initial operating period of 12 months, elections will be held for each of the positions, with supporters having the option to stand.
Rovers chief operating officer Shaun Lockwood said: “The current Supporters Board have played a valuable role in shaping some key decisions that have impacted fellow supporters during the past few years. This has been particularly so during the last 24 months and assessing how we responded to challenges caused by Covid-19 followed by this year's season ticket strategy.
“Whether it is through the use of the Supporters Board, Meet the Owner evenings or our activity with supporter groups and individuals, we have long prided ourselves on being open and transparent with how we operate as a club, and our engagement with our supporters.
“The formation of a Shadow Board is a fan-led review recommendation and one we are adopting ahead of any regulation to do so.
“We believe it is the best way to solidify the work initially achieved through the creation of the Supporters Board and a natural evolution of that work. It also further demonstrates our steadfast commitment to engaging with supporters.
"As a club we will seek to support the Shadow Board in all possible areas, including highlighting their work and ensuring the members are easily contactable for other supporters.
“But our primary responsibility is to be ready to be held to account by the Shadow Board, who are acting on behalf of the entire supporter base.”
A commitment has been made to arrange presentations to the shadow board on an regular basis from major departments within the club, including finance, operations and commercial.
The Shadow Board will be expected to feed information back to the wider supporter base, as well as raise questions and concerns from fans with key club figures.
Minutes from Supporters Board meetings over the last 12 months are available by clicking HERE