Exeter City's Customer Charter
CLUB MISSION STATEMENT
1. The aims of Exeter City AFC Limited are:
• To build and sustain a successful, professional, community football club
• To strengthen the bonds between the club and the community which it serves
• To be a club that is trusted and recognised as a major contributor to the community in which it operates.
• To benefit present and future members of the community served by the club by promoting, encouraging and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement.
2. The club will achieve this by:
• Aspiring to excellence in all that it does
• Working in consultation with supporters, customers and the community in order to maintain the highest standards of performance in an equal opportunities environment
• Following a policy of prudent financial management in order to develop the club profitably over the medium to long term
• Recognising that in the competitive world of professional football the club must be ambitious, creative and adaptive to change
• Being actively involved with the local community to ensure that the club's resources are used to our mutual benefit
• Continuing to recognise the importance of the club's youth development and Football in the Community programmes
Exeter City Football Club is proud of its heritage and wishes to strengthen the good relationship that exists between the club and the local community. The club will continue to represent the City of Exeter with pride on a national and international stage.
CUSTOMER CHARTER
Key Objectives
Our key objectives for the coming season in relation to customer service are to:
• Continue to build and improve on our firm foundations for customer service
• Increase the number of opportunities for fans to have their say on a variety of club matters
• Ensure the match day experience for families with children is excellent
• Achieve the Football League equality standard
1. Customer Service
1.1 The club is committed to providing an excellent service for all its customers and stakeholders. We welcome constructive input from supporters regarding customer improvement and satisfaction and value customer feedback on both positive and negative aspects of our business and activities.
1.2 Any comments regarding aspects of customer service should be made to the club's Customer Services Manager, who can be contacted by telephone on 01392 411243 during normal office hours, by email to customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk or writing to them at Exeter City Football Club, St James’ Park, Stadium Way, Exeter, EX4 6PX.
1.3 Once received, the club will make an initial response to any contact from a customer within five working days. If the initial contact from the customer is in a written format then a telephone call or email may be made to acknowledge receipt and to establish any further facts required.
1.4 In the case of a written complaint an initial investigation will be carried out and a response issued in writing within a further ten working days from the date of acknowledgement. Whilst initial responses may be in the form of a telephone conversation, a fax or an email, all such communication will then be confirmed in writing by post.
1.5 Any complaints received from customers will be recorded in a register and reported to the relevant football authority as required together with any reports of investigations into the complaints.
1.6 The club sincerely hopes and expects that any complaint received regarding customer service can be resolved to the customer's satisfaction and the club will make every effort to do so. If this is not the case, then the complaint should be referred to the Football League Customer Services Department, Operations Centre, Edward VII Quay, Navigation Way, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2YF, email enquiries@football-league.co.uk or telephone 0844 335 0183
2. Staff Conduct
2.1 Club staff will endeavour to be courteous and helpful to customers at all times, offering them the best possible service and information available. Exeter City Football Club is committed to briefing staff on key issues so that they are sufficiently knowledgeable to be able to directly answer the majority of supporter queries.
2.2 All members of staff will do their best to answer any queries or concerns. If they are individually unable to answer a query they will refer the matter to their supervisor or line manager and the customer will receive a response as quickly as possible, but no later than 21 days.
3. Consultation and Information
3.1 This is a good opportunity to remind supporters that the club's majority shareholder is the Exeter City Supporters' Trust. Whilst many other supporters strive to have a voice at company board level within their clubs we, the supporters of Exeter City Football Club, effectively own our club. Our Supporters' Trust is registered as an independent provident society which means each member has one vote and members determine the make-up of the Trust's Board of Society by democratic election, based on the co-operative organisation 'one member - one vote' principles.
3.2 The Board of Society in turn determines the directors appointed to the board of Exeter City AFC Ltd. Under the present constitution, the Chair of the Board of Society of Exeter City Supporters' Trust and an additional member of the Board of Society are nominated directors of the club, therefore ensuring that supporters' views are not only represented at board meetings but that their representatives have a vote in any decisions made by the club. The Trust is also formally represented on the Finance Committee.
3.3 The club actively consults supporters on a regular basis through a variety of forums. Both the club and the Supporters' Trust hold 'fans forums', during which question and answer sessions are a regular occurrence. The Grecian Groups Forum meets regularly and consists of representatives from all our supporters' groups and club representatives and club board directors.
3.4 Meetings may be held outside Exeter in order to ensure that our 'exiled' supporters are consulted and given an opportunity to express their views. 'Fans' Forums', and meetings with other Supporters' Groups, provide additional opportunities for fans to raise issues and debate all matters regarding Exeter City Football Club.
3.5 The club publicises its position on major policy issues on the official club website, on the Exeter City Supporters' Trust website and in the Match Day Programme. The club also issues information via social media, local radio, newspapers and the Press Association.
3.6 The Supporters' Trust has pledged consultation with the Trust membership regarding matters requiring shareholder approval, for example on issues affecting the club's ownership and the stadium. This is actually outside of the club's responsibilities but one that is of course supported.
4. Ticketing
The club gives the earliest possible notice of any changes to its ticketing policy and the reasons for the changes.
4.1 Pricing
4.1.1 The club continues to strive for wider access to matches by offering a broad range of ticket prices and initiatives in order to attract new supporters or specific target groups. The club also operates a scheme whereby early purchase of a season ticket is accompanied by a discount.
4.1.2 All people entering the ground must pay at the turnstile for admission or have a valid ticket purchased in advance or at a ticket booth at the ground on the day (where applicable).
4.1.3 Fully restricted view tickets are not generally on sale, but if requested may be sold at a discounted rate.
4.1.4 The Club reserves the right to vary general admission charges at any point throughout the season.
4.2. Sales
4.2.1 In the case of an all-ticket game, the last opportunity for purchasing tickets, subject to availability, will be before the close of business, as publicised, the day prior to the game unless otherwise stated. Ticket office opening hours will be adjusted for increased accessibility for all-ticket fixtures and details of opening hours will be publicised on the official club website, match day programme and local media. The club also has a facility for purchasing tickets by telephone or on-line and details are available on the official club website or from club reception.
4.2.2 The club reserves the right to charge an administration fee for processing telephone and on-line bookings for tickets for all fixtures. Tickets booked online will be posted out to customers, but may be left for collection by arrangement.
4.2.3 Tickets for 'all-ticket' matches will not be held for collection later than three clear working days before the date of the fixture without prior payment.
4.2.4 The club reserves the right to withdraw season tickets from supporters whose conduct is not in keeping with that stated in this Customer Charter under the section 'Supporters' Conduct'.
4.3. Allocation
4.3.1 In line with Football League guidance, at least 5% of tickets for each game will be made available to non-season ticket holders.
4.3.2 For 'all ticket' home matches or games where it is expected that demand may exceed supply, the club will sell tickets in the following order of priority subject to availability. Discretion will be applied to the number of tickets available to each applicant:
• Season ticket holders, Exeter City Supporters' Trust members, Exeter City Supporters' Club members (including members of the Red Army and Disabled Supporters' Association), 'Red or Dead?' pledgers.
• Centre of Excellence players, Corporate sponsors, Club and casual match day staff
• Supporters who are known to the club and whose details are held on the club's database.
• General sale
4.3.3. For 'all ticket' away matches the club will sell tickets in the following order of priority subject to availability. Discretion will be applied to the number of tickets available to each applicant:
• Season ticket holders, Exeter City Supporters' Trust members, Exeter City Supporters' Club members (including members of the Red Army and Disabled Supporters' Association), 'Red or Dead?' pledgers.
• Centre of Excellence players, Corporate sponsors, Club and casual match day staff
• Supporters who are known to the club and whose details are held on the club's database.
• General sale
4.4 Concessions
4.4.1 Concessionary prices are available to junior supporters (under 12 or under 18 on 31st August of the current season), full-time students possessing a current and valid student card or proof of full-time education and senior citizens (age 60 and over at the commencement of the current season but altering to age 65 for season 2013-2014). Any person between the ages of 60 and 65 who is granted a concessionary season ticket for the 2012-2013 season as a senior citizen will continue to be entitled to purchase a season ticket for the 2013-2014 season and future seasons at the senior citizen rate.
4.4.2 The club reserves the right to charge normal match day admission prices in the absence of proof of qualifying for a concessionary rate. Children under three years of age not occupying a seat will be admitted to the ground free of charge.
4.4.3 The club provides an area of the ground for the use of family groups and junior supporters and the club fully supports the Football League initiative, 'Enjoy the Match'.
4.4.4 Information regarding tickets for disabled supporters is detailed below.
4.5 Cup Competitions
4.5.1 The club reserves the right to decrease or increase the price of admission to home cup fixtures.
4.5.2 Season Ticket holders are guaranteed admission to home cup fixtures and will be given priority over the general public for ticket sales as set out above providing they have purchased tickets before the date advertised for those tickets to go on general sale.
4.6 Refunds
4.6.1 Refunds are issued on unwanted tickets provided they are returned to the club at least 48 hours in advance of the advertised kick-off time of the game for which they have been issued. Any administrative charges are non-refundable.
4.7 Postponed or abandoned matches
4.7.1 If a match is postponed before kick-off and after entry to the stadium, tickets will be valid for the re-arranged fixture. For those supporters not issued with a ticket upon entry, vouchers will be issued on exiting the ground that will enable free admission to the re-arranged fixture.
4.7.2 If a match is abandoned after kick-off, but before half-time, spectators will be entitled to up to 50% reduced-price admission to the re-arranged match on production of an original ticket or voucher issued on exiting the ground. The club reserves the right to set the reduced price of admission.
4.7.3 If a match is abandoned after half-time, spectators will be entitled to reduced-price admission to the re-arranged match on production of an original ticket or voucher issued on exiting the ground. The club reserves the right to set the reduced price of admission.
4.7.4 Tickets bought for the original fixture or vouchers issued on exiting the ground must be retained in order to qualify for the above.
4.8 Accommodating Away Supporters
4.8.1 The club abides by Football League and Football Association Regulations governing the allocation of tickets to visiting clubs. The club does not charge admission prices to supporters of a visiting Club higher than those charged to our own supporters for comparable accommodation.
4.8.2 Concessionary rates offered to senior citizens, students and junior supporters also apply to supporters of a visiting club. The club reserves the right to charge normal match day admission prices to visiting supporters in the absence of proof of qualifying for a concessionary rate.
5. Merchandise
5.1 The club endeavours to ensure that all reproduction strip designs shall have a minimum lifespan of two seasons, subject to the kit suppliers and shirt sponsors remaining unchanged.
5.2 The club will display a sign, and detail on the website, stating the launch date of reproduction kit sold in the club shop. Club staff are also expected to inform the customer of this information, especially in circumstances where the introduction of a new kit is imminent. The club carries out its obligations under current regulations to prevent price fixing in relation to the sale of reproduction strip.
5.3 The Club Shop operation is sub-contracted and therefore the refund policy is not the responsibility of the club. The current policy is that a refund, exchange or credit note is offered on all full priced items which are returned unworn with a receipt within 28 days of purchase (28 days from Christmas Day for Christmas presents). Sale items are not refundable but can be exchanged if returned unworn with receipt within 14 days of purchase.
6. Community Activities
6.1 Exeter City Football Club is proud of its increasingly developing role in the local community and there is a commitment to further this from all sections of the club, especially from the Supporters' Trust, Football in the Community Scheme, Centre of Excellence and Youth Development Scheme, Management and Playing Staff.
6.2 The club and Supporters' Trust have a joint community working group that explores opportunities for increased community involvement and works across the following areas:
• Education: helping young people realise their potential
• Social Inclusion: promoting greater cohesion in communities and encouraging empowerment
• Health: promoting health and wellbeing in the community
• Sports Participation: promoting sports participation and physical activity
7. Supporters' Conduct
7.1 The club wants all supporters to be part of the passion at St James' Park in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment. We are, therefore, committed to preventing people from behaving in a manor likely to jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of others, or to bring discredit on the club or City of Exeter.
7.2 Anyone attending matches at St James' Park must abide by the stadium regulations which are displayed on notice boards at all entrances to the stadium and at other high visibility positions. A copy of the ground regulations can also be sent to anyone on request by telephoning Club Reception on 01392 411243 or emailing reception@exetercityfc.co.uk
7.3 If the club becomes aware of any person having been convicted of or involved directly in a football related offence (whether at the Club's ground or otherwise) or having been in serious breach of any Club's Ground Regulations, it will, in consultation with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, or the relevant Police Authority in the case of an away game, and representatives of the Club's Supporters' Group, make a decision as to whether that person should become subject to a Club exclusion order. Each case will be judged on its own merits and the length of any ban will depend on the severity of the offence and with regard to any breach of the Club's Ground Regulations.
8. Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults
8.1 The club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to do the same. The club has a safeguarding policy which is available to view on request from Club Reception and we take our responsibilities for the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously.
8.2 Where a child under the age of 16 breaches stadium regulations and would normally be asked to leave the ground if older, the child will be placed in the care of the match day Child Protection Officer who will endeavour to contact the child's parent, guardian or other family member if appropriate. In cases where this is not possible or practical, the Child Protection Officer will keep the child in a place of safety until the end of the match. For serious breaches of ground regulations the club may deliver the child into the custody of the police. This decision will be made by the club's Safety Officer.
9. Disabled Supporters
9.1 The club is committed to ensuring that all those who wish to watch football matches are able to do so, subject to ticket availability but irrespective of disability. The club has a Disabled Supporters' Association (ECDSA) and a dedicated disability liaison officer (DLO). The DLO can be contacted by calling 01392 411243 or by emailing disability@exetercityfc.co.uk. The Club's DLO will try to ensure that the needs of all home and visiting supporters are met wherever possible.
9.2 The club provides accommodation and assistance for disabled spectators and their assistants. Tickets should be booked in advance, as admission cannot be guaranteed on the day of the game. Please contact Club Reception for details of our disabled facilities, admission prices and ticket allocation. The club has a written policy detailing its commitment to disabled supporters in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act (2010).
9.3 The club provides exclusive commentary for blind and partially sighted supporters via radio headsets that can be used anywhere in the ground. Supporters wishing to use one of these headsets are advised to contact Club Reception by calling 01392 411243 in advance of a game to make a reservation.
9.4 Existing disabled area season ticket holders will have the opportunity to renew their disabled area season tickets at best possible prices and season tickets will be allocated as follows:
• 1st Priority will be given to existing disabled area Season Ticket Holders whose seats will be reserved until the final season ticket renewal deadline.
• 2nd Priority goes to existing non-disabled area Season Ticket Holders who wish to move to a disabled area.
• 3rd Priority will be given to any current members of the Supporters' Trust or an affiliated group who wish to upgrade to a season ticket.
• 4th Priority goes on general sale on a first come, first served basis.
9.5 Ticket availability and dates of sale will be available from the ticket office or on the club website.
9.6 Current capacity within all designated disabled areas at St James' Park is 34 wheelchair and assistant spaces. For Health and Safety reasons all supporters using a wheelchair must be accompanied.
9.7 For all away matches it must be noted that the allocation of disabled tickets is at the discretion of the home side and therefore Exeter City Football Club cannot guarantee disabled tickets for all those requesting them.
9.8 In the event that demand exceeds supply for disabled away tickets, the priority will be the same as for general ticket allocations. Should there be insufficient tickets for first priority applicants then tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.
10. Equal Opportunities
10.1 At Exeter City Football Club we respect and value the diversity that exists in our community and are committed to challenging attitudes that promote discrimination.
10.2 Equality of opportunities means that in pursuit of our aims and objectives the Club will not discriminate against, or in any way treat less favourably, any person on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual identity, marital status, or political or religious belief. This includes:
• Access to tickets and other products such as club merchandise
• Ability to book corporate or other facilities
• Ability to join membership schemes
• The selection of candidates for employment or promotion
• Pay and employment terms and conditions
• Internal training and development activities
• External education activities
• Football development activities
• Selection for representative teams
• Appointments to honorary positions.
10.3 The club is an equal opportunities employer and has a Staff Equal Opportunities Policy, a copy of which is available on request from Reception.
10.4 The club will not tolerate sexual or racial harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate disciplinary action whenever and wherever it occurs.
10.5 The club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination whether by reason of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual identity, marital status, or political or religious belief. The club wholeheartedly supports The Football Association in its commitment to develop a programme of ongoing training and education in order to promote the eradication of discrimination.
11. Data protection
11.1 In accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, the club will maintain the privacy and security of customer details held on record.
11.2 FL Interactive manages the club's official website and is responsible for ensuring data protection is in place in respect of any user data collected via the official site. The club uses a ticket agency, Ticket Zone, to assist with the sale of match tickets. The agency is responsible for ensuring data protection is in place regarding details collected from the sale of tickets.
June 2012