Janie Frampton OBE DL has a unique ‘lived experience,’ which cemented her place in history as the second woman referee to operate in the men’s professional game of football in England and one of only eight Women FIFA Instructors in the world. Janie also proudly represented her country on 33 international occasions.
Having reached the higher echelons of the beautiful game of football, Janie had to learn many skills and tools to navigate the minefield she had stepped into. During a 30-year career, Janie operated across the sport sector at national and international levels, using her determination to push through barriers and navigate complex challenges with skill and resilience. She championed fairness, gender equality, and aspiring talent, making a lasting impact across national and international landscapes.
Janie’s influence extends far beyond refereeing. As one of only eight Women FIFA Referee Instructors in the world, she has traveled the globe, sharing her expertise to uplift others. Her leadership drives positive change, inclusion, and growth across sports and industries by using her knowledge and experience as tools for skill development and personal growth. Her leadership and dedication transcend sports and industries, influencing positive change and fostering development and inclusion at the highest levels.
Founding ‘Team You Development,’ a social enterprise aimed at empowering individuals and organizations to be the best versions of themselves, Janie has designed and delivered national and global programs focusing on leadership, E.D.&I., ESG, self-growth, and creating inclusive environments in the workplace with a focus on intersectionality. Her relentless pursuit of equality, especially for women, has been recognized through numerous honors, including an OBE for services to equality for women in sport nationally and internationally and being appointed Deputy Lieutenant of her home county.
Currently, Janie serves a third term as Vice President of the International Federation for Sports Officials and is the President of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce. Her advocacy extends to serving as Patron for the Muslim Women’s Network UK and as the first Ambassador for Women in Football. She has also dedicated many years to sitting on the Home Office SO15 Counter Terrorism Advisory Board and on numerous boards and committees across sports and industries.
Janie’s advocacy for fairness, particularly in the realm of gender equality, is deeply ingrained in her core values and actions. Throughout her illustrious career, she has consistently championed these principles, often standing alone in the face of adversity. Throughout her journey for equity, the experiences she endured were challenging, but she faced them with unyielding resilience and determination. Recognizing the need for change in the sporting and business worlds, Janie’s focus has been on empowering individuals to pursue their dreams, becoming an exemplar of women supporting women.
Janie Frampton’s journey is a testament to her personal strength, determination, and resilience in pursuit of justice. Her tireless commitment to gender equality has not only reshaped the landscape for women in sports and business but has also served as an inspiration for countless others to challenge established norms. Janie’s narrative is one of triumph over adversity, resilience in the pursuit of justice, and an enduring legacy that transcends the confines of sports and business.