Purpose
:
The Disability Access Officer (DAO) is responsible for ensuring that the Club meets and exceeds its obligations to disabled supporters, visitors, and stakeholders. The role is central to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equality, in line with Premier League and UEFA requirements, national legislation, and best practice standards.
The Role:
Compliance & Standards
1. Serve as the Club’s appointed Disability Access Officer in accordance with Premier League guidance and UEFA Licensing requirements.
2. Maintain expert knowledge of relevant legislation and standards, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Accessible Stadia Guide.
3. Monitor and adopt new legislation, innovation, and best practice in accessibility.
4. Ensure regular professional access audits are undertaken and develop/maintain an Access Statement.
5. Support the delivery and monitoring of the Premier League Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), including accreditation, reporting, and evidence gathering.
Supporter Engagement & Representation
6. Build and maintain strong relationships with MUDSA and its members, supporting membership growth and representing their interests.
7. Lead consultation and dialogue with disabled fans, associations, and representative groups.
8. Act as the primary contact for disabled supporters on home matchdays (Old Trafford and LSV), ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience.
9. Provide guidance to the ticket office on ticketing policies and allocation for disabled supporters.
10. Support MUW/LSV matchday fan engagement activities, including mascots, halftime activities, and post-match initiatives.
Internal Leadership & Advocacy
11. Promote the needs of disabled people within the Club, acting as a champion for accessibility and inclusion.
12. Highlight the business and community benefits of accessibility to leadership and colleagues.
13. Work with Operations, Inclusion, and Communications teams to ensure fan and community perspectives are integrated into the Club’s inclusion strategy.
14. Represent the Club on operational calls, cross-game meetings, and industry events.
External Relationships & Networking
15. Build relationships with DAOs at other clubs and organisations such as Level Playing Field, CAFE, UEFA, and the Premier League.
16. Share and adopt best practice solutions to enhance accessibility.
17. Participate in conferences, shadow visits, and training to expand knowledge and networks.
Fan Engagement & Development
18. Manage relationships with non-UK MUSCs, global Supporter Clubs, faith-based MUSCs, and Youth MUSCs.
19. Develop strategies for supporter club growth, engagement, and retention.
20. Oversee supporter communications, including MUSC Tunnel management and fan-facing web content.
21. Develop and deliver strategies to improve the fan experience for young supporters and families.
Event planning and delivery
22. Develop a strategy and implement its delivery for closer working on fan related matters between MU Foundation and Fan Engagement
23. Planning and delivery of fan events, including PA day activity, Warm-up events and fan pitch days. Work with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure room set up, tech equipment, partner giveaways etc are all in place and that relevant teams (united events etc) are briefed
24. Plan and deliver the annual Munich remembrance events at Old Trafford and ensure each of our MU, MUW and academy games mark the occasion appropriately
The Person:
Essential Skills & Experience
25. Strong knowledge of disability legislation, accessibility standards, and equality best practice.
26. Experience of working with disabled communities or in an accessibility-focused role.
27. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and strong relationships.
28. Proven ability to influence and advocate effectively at all levels within an organisation.
29. Strong organisational and project management skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
30. Ability to represent the Club professionally at external meetings, events, and matchdays.
31. Flexible and willing to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays as required.
Desirable Skills & Experience
32. Experience of working within sport, entertainment, or large-scale venues.
33. Understanding of supporter engagement, fan networks, or membership organisations.
34. Knowledge of the Premier League Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS).
35. Experience developing and implementing inclusion strategies.
Personal Attributes
36. Passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and delivering positive fan experiences.
37. Approachable, empathetic, and collaborative.
38. Proactive problem solver with the ability to identify and implement improvements.
39. Committed to the Club’s values and to continuous personal and professional development.
What We Offer:
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
40. Annual incentive scheme
41. Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
42. Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
43. Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
44. Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
45. Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
46. A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth