Plymouth Argyle Customers' Charter 2016-17

Customers' Charter 2016-17

Points of Contact

The primary contact is Supporter Liaison Officer Rick Cowdery, who, on a day-to-day basis, will: attend to any complaints requiring immediate resolution; collate all other complaints and forward them to the appropriate official for action and reply; maintain a record of complaints; and ensure prompt and substantive replies.

Rick can be contacted in normal club hours, 9am-5pm each weekday. In his absence, please contact Rob McNichol, on general matters, or Mark Lovell, if your query concerns the Argyle Community Trust.

The club prefers comments to be made in writing to:

Plymouth Argyle Football Club
Home Park
Plymouth PL2 3DQ

Rick can also be contacted via:
01752 562561 (telephone);
01752 606167 (fax); or
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] (email).

The club will make its substantive reply via post, e-mail or fax within 14 days. If circumstances dictate that this is not possible, an interim response will be made and a substantive response made as soon as possible thereafter.

Verbal comments will be responded to verbally.

A record of all comments will be retained and we will report the number received once a year and aim to improve on them annually.

Should a supporter be unsatisfied by the club’s response or failure to respond, they should contact the the Independent Football Ombudsman, which has been established to receive and adjudicate on complaints which have not been resolved at an earlier stage and can be reached at:

Suite 49
57 Great George Street
Leeds LS1 3AJ

Email: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Telephone: 0800 588 4066

Customer Service
Our staff are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of service and courtesy at all times, in all circumstances.

The club does not tolerate discrimination or harassment against any individual or group on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, nationality or disability. All staff, members, supporters and applicants for employment will be regarded equally and be given equal opportunities.

Consultation and Information
We have in place processes which will allow our supporters to play a significant role in the governance of the club.

Following the Government's Expert Working Group Supporter Ownership and Engagement discussions, the club will meet EFL regulation 111 by holding at least two fans’ forums in each season to which its supporters are to be invited in order to discuss significant issues relating to the club. Details will be announced at least two in advance.

We also continue to develop our relationship with sponsors, the media, Plymouth City Council and other stakeholders.

We will publicise our position on major policy issues in the match-day programme; through mailings; or on our website, [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

We will undertake research on the design and number of new strips and will continue to involve our supporters in the selection process via governance arrangements.

Ticketing
We are committed to providing value for money to the widest spectator base, through our Membership schemes; pre-match day purchase discounts; appropriate concessions; and occasional offers.

We will review ticket-pricing annually and give the earliest possible notice of any changes to our ticketing policy.

Young people (anyone under 18) and senior citizens (65 years and over) will be among those entitled to a concessionary ticket price.

The club’s current policy to its disabled fans is posted on the club website.

Away supporters in the appropriate category will enjoy the same concessions, and no away supporter will be subjected to any higher charge than that made to our fans.

To improve security and safety, away supporters are required to use the area of the stadium allocated to them.

Although each case will be considered on its merits, in general, refunds are only made in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the club.

EFL regulations will be followed in the event of postponed and abandoned matches. If a match has to be postponed before kick-off, ticket-holders will be entitled to free admission to the rearranged fixture, on production of a valid ticket. If the game is abandoned after kick-off, spectators will be entitled to half-price admission to the rearranged fixture, on production of a valid ticket.

Merchandise
All replica strip designs shall have a maximum lifespan of one season. Details of the next intended change of strips will be available via the shop, official website, and match-day programme as quickly as possible.

The club carries out its obligations under EFL regulations to prevent price-fixing in relation to the sale of replica strip.

The club offers refunds on merchandise in accordance with its legal obligations and on production of a valid receipt.

Community Activities
The club embraces the Argyle Community Trust, and it endorses the employment of the Disability Officer.

The club will co-operate on joint ventures to benefit the community through local public authorities, particularly schools and colleges, business, commercial, charitable and voluntary organisations.

We will endeavour to ensure management players and officials are available to support community programmes and events;

The club is committed to assisting more people to play and watch football.

Stadium
The club will ensure that a safe stadium environment is provided and, in turn, ask that supporters adhere to the official ground regulations which can be found by clicking this link.

Stewarding and Crowd Control
We operate a fair and open stewarding policy, with spectator safety being the primary focus.  Our stewards are trained up to SIA level and are briefed to ensure that supporters comply with club and EFL ground regulations. Standing in all areas is not accepted and all gangways must be kept clear at all times.

Banning Procedure
Banning orders may be enforced after an incident has been reported to us, either directly or through the Police, and may vary in length dependent upon the nature of the incident. Each case will be dealt with on its own merits. Examples of unacceptable behaviour leading to banning orders include but are not limited to: violent or abusive behaviour towards the public or club officials; drunken behaviour; racist chanting or comments; and encroaching on to the playing surface. Banned supporters will have the opportunity to discuss their conduct with the club before any ban is considered. Banned supporters are not entitled to any refunds.

Stadium Parking
We have limited parking spaces available on match-days, a number of which are allocated on a first come, first served basis to drivers with a valid Blue Badge.

First Aid
We provide full medical support for spectators inside Home Park.

Catering
We aim to provide variety and value for money and variety of choice in all our catering outlets and hospitality areas.

Data Collection
Any data disclosed to us is collected, stored and used in a responsible and secure manner as required under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Charity Partner
We will identify an official charity partner at the beginning of each season and assist them in raising funds and increasing awareness of their work.

Safeguarding
We are committed to the safeguarding of both children and vulnerable adults. All staff who work closely with children and young people receive appropriate training and are DBS checked where appropriate.

Corporate Social Responsibility
We are committed to achieving best practice and being a good corporate citizen. This involves, but is not limited to, adherence to industry standards and reporting frameworks.

Environmental Policy
We acknowledge that our activities impact the environment and strive to be environmentally friendly.  We seek opportunities to minimise resources we consume, thereby ultimately limiting waste. We shall acknowledge environmental legislation and regulations, and aim to exceed them wherever possible. We shall document, communicate and educate employees, shareholders and investors our policy, and encourage them to participate. We shall encourage recycling in partnership with our Waste Disposal partners.

Minute’s Silence/Applause
There will be a minute's appreciation ahead of kick-off at the final home game of each season to remember those connected with the club, including supporters, who passed away during the season.

The only other circumstance under which a minute's silence or applause will be held is if requested by one of the game's governing bodies, such as the Football Association or EFL, or at the club's discretion if an individual who has represented the club with distinction has passed away.

This Season

   We will, in conjunction with the EFL’s Fan Data Platform, increase the reach, breadth and frequency of our communications with supporters;

   We will, in conjunction with the Green Taverners supporters’ group, proceed with plans to build a Supporters Bar at Home Park, run by and for the use of football supporters of all clubs;

    and we will consult with supporters, through regular focus groups, on the design and style of our home and away kits for the 2017-18 season.

We will, in conjunction with the Green Taverners supporters’ group, proceed with plans to build a Supporters Bar at Home Park, run by and for the use of football supporters of all clubs;

Is this to be built at HHP or HP

rick cowdrey support liason officer lmao the bloke is about as popular with supporters as crabs

Football obudsmam based in leeds ?

I guess this is a national initiative that has been foisted on all EFL clubs.

Tgwu wrote:

Customers' Charter 2016-17

Verbal comments will be responded to verbally.

I swear there's a whole industry devoted to stuffing documents full of inanities like this.

I thought the most telling inference was the club basically will not accept communications from fans by email, only by phone or quill. But, they will, apparently, in all probability, reply by email. Same old power imbalance in their head.

Premium rate phone lines only

Lord Biro wrote:

I thought the most telling inference was the club basically will not accept communications from fans by email, only by phone or quill. But, they will, apparently, in all probability, reply by email. Same old power imbalance in their head.

Talk about an inbalance in the head...

Where does it say or even infer the club will not accept communications by email?

Why would they give Rick Cowdery's email address if you can't do so?

All they ask is that "The club prefers comments to be made in writing to... "

Tgwu wrote:

Customers' Charter 2016-17

Verbal comments will be responded to verbally.

Fan "Feck off!".

Rick " You can feck off too!".

Inference, I said. It's what I understand by the wording. Hope that's ok with you. WHY would they PREFER the quill as opposed to email ?  Many organisations no longer encourage email communication as it has democratised communication a bit too much for their liking. You are free to take their exact wording any way you like.

the ffotball club wrote:

The club prefers comments to be made in writing to:

Plymouth Argyle Football Club
Home Park
Plymouth PL2 3DQ

Rick can also be contacted via: blah blah  

You write an email as well.

Lord Biro wrote:

Inference, I said. It's what I understand by the wording. Hope that's ok with you. WHY would they PREFER the quill as opposed to email ?  Many organisations no longer encourage email communication as it has democratised communication a bit too much for their liking. You are free to take their exact wording any way you like.

the ffotball club wrote:

The club prefers comments to be made in writing to:

Plymouth Argyle Football Club
Home Park
Plymouth PL2 3DQ

Rick can also be contacted via: blah blah  

Nice try at smoke and mirrors... Bu you completely failed to address your claim that " the club basically will not accept communications from fans by email"

That's the problems with being "free to take their exact wording any way you like", you end up believing something that isn't even there.

I suggest you read the club statement again..

And for why organisations turn away from email... Because employees in boxes are filled with mundane stuff that everyone now CC's everybody on just to cover their arses, and can take hours to filter through this stuff..

As I said, it's my understanding, just as it is my understanding that the club have been fobbing you and everyone else off with their "smoke and mirrors" over the Far Post. I've had enough of the likes of you.

Quote :

 The club poster does not tolerate discrimination or harassment

Enjoy your meaningless postings.

Good Lord, do return after the harvest

Bye Bye see you soon.

Guest wrote:

As I said, it's my understanding, just as it is my understanding that the club have been fobbing you and everyone else off with their "smoke and mirrors" over the Far Post. I've had enough of the likes of you.

Quote :

 The club poster does not tolerate discrimination or harassment

Enjoy your meaningless postings.

Top Flouncing!!! Lord Snotty has got to be the most sensitive brilliant fountain of knowledge there has ever been, how will we cope without Jezza Corbs love child?

sufferedsince 68 wrote:

Guest wrote:

As I said, it's my understanding, just as it is my understanding that the club have been fobbing you and everyone else off with their "smoke and mirrors" over the Far Post. I've had enough of the likes of you.

Quote :

 The club poster does not tolerate discrimination or harassment

Enjoy your meaningless postings.

Top Flouncing!!! Lord Snotty has got to be the most sensitive brilliant fountain of knowledge there has ever been, how will we cope without Jezza Corbs love child?

Nothing will top his flounce last christmas over the festive atd banner not being to his liking and he didnt get referendum on it first.

Or when he was in the mod room and had a paddy and tried to delete the forum.

I've said it before, but after a while Penz's relentless wave of - slag off the Forum/Mods/delete/re-register a few months later under a new name is just so tedious. Though it does serve the purpose of camouflaging your posting history, making it difficult for you to be pulled up on shit you've said in the past.

Just coincidence though, that.

This 'Charter', has Mr Corporate Governance all over it.

No wonder the reluctant one gave him the club 'Smoke & Mirrors' job.

It works on the average Aviva though , as they can't see the wood for the trees, even when it's staring them in the face.

Glad I care less and less as time goes on.

Tringreen wrote:

This 'Charter', has Mr Corporate Governance all over it.

No wonder the reluctant one gave him the club 'Smoke & Mirrors' job.

It works on the average Aviva though , as they can't see the wood for the trees, even when it's staring them in the face.

Glad I care less and less as time goes on.

LOL. You're bang on there Tring.

How else would a bloke with zero previous football administration experience fill his day?

Village to the end.

Tringreen wrote:

This 'Charter', has Mr Corporate Governance all over it.

No wonder the reluctant one gave him the club 'Smoke & Mirrors' job.

It works on the average Aviva though , as they can't see the wood for the trees, even when it's staring them in the face.

Glad I care less and less as time goes on.

I think it's also something to do with the new branding of the EFL and the expected governance that the FL want from their member clubs.
All a load of bollix really.

Doesn't say anything about what happens if someone tips a pint over you in the Business Lounge