Education and training
At the heart of a successful event is the safety and security of the spectators. At sports grounds this is achieved through a safety management team. A fundamental part of this is education and training of everyone involved.
The SGSA, as the leaders for sports grounds safety in the UK, is involved in ensuring spectator safety qualifications meet high standards.
As noted in the Green Guide, ground management has the responsibility for ensuring that all safety personnel, whether in-house or provided under contract, are competent and, where not already qualified, have received sufficient training to carry out the duties and responsibilities assigned to them.
Spectator safety qualifications
There are three levels of spectator safety qualifications:
- Level 2 qualification – for learners in the job role of a steward though this could similarly be an attendant, event crew member or usher.
- Level 3 qualification – for supervisors.
- Level 4 qualification – for senior safety officers.
New qualifications launched on February 2021, following a review of the previous standards. The changes reflect the changing threats to sports, event and the wider crowded places sector.
The SGSA has worked with governing bodies, safety officers, venue operators, training providers, government agencies, subject matter experts and trade associations to develop the content of the qualifications.