Mar 23, 2020
To ensure, as far as reasonably possible, the safety of everyone attending events at Ipswich Town Football Club in accordance with the Safety Certificate terms and conditions, Operations Manual and the Club’s Policy Statement of Spectator Safety. The post holder shall have no other duties on a match day, other than those involved in the execution of the role of Safety Officer.
Responsibilities – General:
Assume responsibilities on behalf of the Club and the Managing Directors for the provisions of the
General Safety Certificate issued by Suffolk County Council and the Club’s Policy Statement on Spectator Safety.
Continually review all stewarding at the Stadium and make appropriate recommendations to the Managing Directors for corporate consideration.
Assume responsibility for the provision of training and assessment for all Stewards employed at the Club.
Act as the representative of the Club in regular consultation with senior members of the Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and East of England Ambulance Service, Suffolk County Council and The Sports Ground Safety Authority on matters associated with the safety and security of spectators.
Represent the interests of the Club and attend all Safety Advisory Group meetings of Suffolk County Council.
Act as the Club Liaison Officer with the “Emergency Services” in the event of an unforeseen incident, ensuring that the CE is kept fully informed of any developments.
Evaluate the performance of the Deputy Safety Officer, Chief Stewards, Stand Managers, Supervisors, Deputy Supervisors, Stewards and any specialist Stewards and initiate any action that may be required.
Co-ordinate, monitor and advise upon all safety matters affecting the Stadium.
Monitor stewarding levels on a match day to ensure effective and equitable distribution of staff commensurate with the General Safety Certificate.
Liaise with the Club Secretary on any new legislation and safety related advice affecting the Club and arrange for implementation.
Be aware of the requirements of all Sports Grounds legislation, the Green Guide and other advisory documents, the Safety Certificate, the licence issued by the Sports Ground Safety Authority and ensure compliance.
Assume control on behalf of the Club on match days at the Stadium for spectator safety and security, acting in full co-operation with Suffolk Police.
Assume responsibility with the Club Secretary on behalf of the Club for the joint Statement of Intent agreed with Suffolk Police.
Ensure all conditions of the General Safety Certificate are fully complied with. In the event of any non-compliance for any reason the Safety Officer will inform the Club Secretary and Suffolk County Council as soon as possible.
POSITION IN ORGANISATION
During the period that the Safety Certificate is in force the post holder has the Board's authority to take any action deemed necessary to ensure the safety of spectators inside the ground.
Subordinates directly supervised:
Deputy Safety Officer
Matchday Chief Steward & other Matchday supervisors
Special relationships (external)
Police Commander
Police Football Liaison Officer
Safety Team members
Fire Service
Ambulance
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich Borough Council
Suffolk Police
Sports Ground Safety Authority
Football Safety Officers’ Association
The post holder should be an experienced person having had considerable knowledge in both the safety and security fields and controlling crowds in football stadia. He/she will be expected to attend seminars/conferences run by the FA Premier League/Football League and Football Safety Officers Association so as to maintain a level of the experience required for such a position. The post holder should hold a Level Four NVQ qualification in Spectator Safety, or be working towards such a qualification.
RESPONSIBILITIES – PRE MATCH
In the days leading up to each event ensure that:
Any defects reported at the previous match have been rectified.
All ‘life safety’ systems have been checked/inspected and our working correctly. These include the following;
The public address system
The CCTV system
The score boards
The loud hailers
Radio system
Electronically operated doors
Turnstile count
Emergency phones
Carry out a physical inspection of the ground to ensure that there are no hazards to spectators.
Prepare the Operational Briefing Order.
Undertake the required Risk Assessments,( both generic and match specific).
Ensure liaison with the Suffolk Constabulary, particularly in relation to information/intelligence relating to the match and deciding on the appropriate match grading.
Commence a Policy Log.
RESPONSIBILITIES – MATCHDAY
Undertake the following and, if present, liaise with the Police Match Commander. to ensure:-
Procedures are in force ensuring that sections of the ground that spectators are admitted to are identified
Strategic gates/positions are identified and manned before spectators are admitted to the ground
Sufficiently trained stewards are in position to monitor and prevent overcrowding of spectators in any area of the ground.
The computerized spectator counting systems and monitors are fully operational and that in the event of a malfunction there is a manual counting system that can be quickly introduced.
Ensure the General Safety Certificate is complied with.
Ensure that the Chief Steward has sufficient trained stewards available, together with sufficient trained supervisors, deployed/positioned as agreed with the police, fire brigade and local authority.
That all stewards are fully briefed on their duties and what is expected of them during an event. The brief should include details of the anticipated number of supporters attending the match, together with an indication of any possible conflict that may arise between home and visiting supporters. The stewards must ensure that spectators entering or leaving are controlled and directed and that in the event of an emergency evacuation of the ground, or any part of it, sufficient trained stewards are provided and positioned to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation.
By inspection ensure that there are no combustible or hazardous materials stored in the ground thatcould present a danger to spectators.
By inspection ensure that the ground is clear of any materials that could be used as missiles.
Ensure that before the public are admitted:
All exit gates are unobstructed and that all locking devices are removed.
All gates open easily and that any drop bolts or locking devices are functioning correctly.
That the following systems are functioning correctly:
The public address system
The CCTV system
The score boards
The loud hailers
Radio system
Electronically operated doors
Turnstile count
Emergency phones
Emergency lighting is fully functional
All firefighting equipment is fully operational and that access to where it is stored is open when an activity is taking place.
Sufficient numbers of trained first aid personnel are available in accordance with the Guide to Safety and Sports Ground (Green Guide) and that the first aid equipment and materials are maintained at the correct level. (Such inspections should be carried out with East of England Ambulance Service or lead Emergency Doctors Medical Services).
All ingress and egress routes from the stadium are clear of obstruction and that the surface does not present a hazard to spectators.
Copies of the ground regulations are displayed at entrances to the ground.
All exit and directional signs are in place and illuminated where necessary.
All internal telephones and radios are in working order.
All equipment provided for the emergency services at the ground is in good working order.
During each event: Ensure the safety of all persons attending the Stadium. The Safety Officer should liaise closely with the Police Match Commander, if present. He will ensure that he consults with him/her prior to and following the match. The Safety Officer will ensure that all supervisors are contactable through the Club radio system and that they are easily identifiable.
After each event: The Safety Officer will submit a match report outlining any problems that have occurred during the event and in it point out any faults that may have been discovered during its progress. He will ensure that these have been rectified.
Complete the Stewards Pay Roll.
Licensed areas: The Safety Officer will ensure that the licensing laws are maintained in the ground through liaison with the DPNS and that no alcoholic drinks are consumed in sight of the pitch when a match is in progress.
Close Season: Check the stewarding arrangements to ensure that there are sufficient stewards available and that they receive the correct training in accordance with the FA Premier League/Football League Steward training package.
Ensure all policies and procedures are reviewed and updated where necessary
Annually: Carry out a detailed annual inspection of the ground with the Stadium Manager for signs of damage which may create a potential danger to spectators. Such an inspection should be visual and include boundary walls, fences, gates, and elements of structure, crush barriers and all safety installations. Any defects should be recorded and action taken to rectify. Ensure all seating is up to a good standard and in a satisfactory state of repair.
Training: Ensure all stewards that are on duty for matches receive training in line with the national guidelines for the training Stewards.
Emergency action plan: In association with the Police and other emergency services, produce Contingency Plans and an appropriate emergency action plan for the evacuation of the ground or any part of it in the event of an emergency. To ensure the plans are regularly reviewed and are tested regularly. The Head of Safety & Security will also be responsible for producing a Club Policy document to outline the Club's organization and the way in which it deals with all safety aspects and in conjunction with the Club Secretary to ensure everyone working for the Club is fully aware of emergency procedures to be adopted.
Records: The Safety Officer and, where appropriate, The Stadium Manager will ensure records are maintained of all safety tests and inspections of equipment at the ground. In addition records must be maintained of: Attendance of spectators at matches. Weather conditions at each match. Details of all reported injuries to any person attending the match. “High risk” supporter register with details of those banned by the Club or court, dates of incidents and review periods. Liaison with Police to ensure constant updating of register and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure spectator/staff safety. All such records should be kept on the club's premises and be available for inspection by any duly authorized person.
RESPONSIBILITIES – NON-MATCHDAY The Safety Officer will have responsibility for:
Undertaking/arranging all Training requirements for Stewards in line with the national guidelines for Stewards Training.
Other Areas of Responsibility
The Safety Officer will be called upon from time to time to lead and manage special projects relating to security and safety issues. At all times maintain a constant review of the Club's Safety Policy Statement and Job Description. Bring to the attention of the Managing Directors and Club Secretary, in writing, any matters which it is felt would lead to an improvement of spectator safety. Be responsible for the introduction and development of best practice policies for all areas of responsibility.
Terms of Appointment:
20 days annual leave pro rata plus 8 statutory bank holidays' pro rata.
6 months' probation.
Special Conditions:
Flexibility with working hours required to meet demands of the role.
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Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road, Ipswich, UK
Part time