Assurance Assessment
Independent evaluation of sustainability maturity and evidence
The Assurance Assessment is the third stage of the FASE framework. It provides an independent, structured evaluation of sustainability maturity and evidential strength across the four FASE pillars.
This stage is designed to support credibility, transparency and confidence in a club’s sustainability position.
What the Assurance Assessment Is
The Assurance Assessment evaluates the extent to which governance arrangements, policies, data, and reporting can be evidenced consistently and withstand internal and external scrutiny.
Assessment is conducted against the FASE framework criteria and scoring structure, applying a football-specific, proportionate approach that reflects the club’s operating context.
This stage focuses on evaluation, not advisory.
What the Assessment Considers
The Assurance Assessment considers sustainability across the four FASE pillars:
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Governance – leadership, accountability, and oversight
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Environmental Management – controls, monitoring, and evidence
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Stakeholder Engagement – structure, consistency, and accountability
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Transparency & Financial Oversight – reporting quality, data integrity, and disclosure
Assessment is evidence-led and contextual, recognising differences in club scale, resources, and complexity.
Why the Assurance Assessment Exists
As sustainability expectations increase, clubs are increasingly required to demonstrate credibility, not just intent.
The Assurance Assessment exists to provide an independent view of maturity and readiness, supporting confidence among internal leadership and external stakeholders.
It enables clubs to evidence progress in a structured and consistent manner.
What Clubs Receive
The Assurance Assessment produces a structured output reflecting sustainability maturity and evidential strength.
Clubs receive:
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an independent assessment summary
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a maturity-based readiness outcome across the four pillars
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clear documentation supporting internal and external understanding
Outcomes are designed to support transparency and informed progression over time.
Position Within the Framework
The Assurance Assessment represents an advanced stage within the FASE framework.
It is typically undertaken once a club has established sufficient governance foundations and evidential capability, either directly following the Readiness Review or after Targeted Advisory support.
Participation at this stage does not constitute regulatory approval or formal certification.
Independence and Scope
The Assurance Assessment is conducted independently within the FASE framework.
FASE does not act as a regulator or licensing authority. The assessment supports understanding, credibility, and readiness rather than compliance determination.