Home / Safety management / Safety management structure Safety management structureThere are five key roles which typically make up the safety management team at a venue or event. There must be an effective safety management structure, or chain of command, in place at a sports ground. The number of personnel, the command structure and the allocation of safety responsibilities will differ according to the size and scale of the event. However, resourcing levels should always be based upon the risks identified, on any relevant statutory guidance, and good practice. This is to ensure that: Those involved in safety management recognise their role within the chain of command and have a clear understanding of the decision-making process in safety matters. Management can control and supervise the safety management operation. Safety at the event can be quickly and accurately monitored. Liaison with other agencies follows agreed procedures. Follow-up action on structural or safety management issues can be co-ordinated efficiently. The allocation of safety responsibilities will differ according to the size and scale of the event and venue. However, resourcing levels should always be based upon the risks identified, on any relevant statutory guidance, and of course on good practice. Learn more Spectator safety qualificationsSpectator safety qualifications are a fundamental part of high stewarding standards.Learn more Key roles include: Senior executive or senior representative Safety Officer Supervisory stewards Stewards A named individual with a responsibility for security. Senior executive or senior representative There should be a senior individual that has been assigned overall strategic responsibility for safety. This person should: Lead any discussion on safety matters at a strategic level. This can be checked via standing items on the agenda of every executive, board or management meeting and the accompanying minutes. Report to the executive or board of directors on safety issues and how this is carried out. They should also ensure that safety issues are included within the organisation’s Risk Register. Ensure that no decisions are made at a senior level that might compromise safety during events and how this control is maintained. Support the work of the Safety Officer. Safety Officer The Safety Officer helps plan and oversee the matchday safety management operation. This person plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the management’s Event Safety Policy and should be a skilled and experienced professional who has demonstrated occupational competency for the role. This individual may also have duties on non-matchdays, for example concerning security or facilities management. But on matchdays they must have no other responsibilities other than those set out in their job description as Safety Officer. Where possible he or she should be supported by a Deputy Safety Officer with sufficient training, experience and knowledge to serve in the Safety Officer’s absence, and to share duties on event days. Remember that individuals such as ground staff, security guards or hospitality staff, who may be required to attend to their duties at any time during an event, should not, regardless of their qualifications, be considered as stewards within the event day Stewarding Plan, in any circumstances. Further information about the Safety Officer Supervisory stewards Supervisory stewards form a link in the chain of command between the Safety Officer and all other stewards. These individuals will be responsible for either a team of stewards, and/or a particular section or location within a stadium, or will take on specific roles, as necessary. The number of Supervisory Stewards is determined by the Stewarding Plan. These roles may also be known as Chief Stewards, Senior Stewards or Team Leaders. Further information about Supervisory Stewards Stewards Stewards fulfil a range of roles and duties at a sports ground which are central to the safe delivery of events. They take up locational or functional roles, as determined by the Stewarding Plan. Typically stewards deployed at a stadium will include staff employed directly by the stadium management, staff supplied by the event organiser, or staff provided under contract by an agency, or a combination of some or all of these categories. Whatever source stewards come from, relevant checks should be made that these stewards are appropriately attired, equipped and briefed and have obtained a relevant stewarding qualification or is undergoing training and assessment for such a qualification. Stewarding duties may also be undertaken by other members of staff – such as car park attendants or turnstile operators – provided that they meet the criteria listed above and also, crucially, that their other duties are confined to specific time slots during an event. Further information about Stewards A named individual with a responsibility for security. There should be a named individual in place who has responsibility for security. He or she should be supported by a number of security personnel to take up locational or functional roles, as determined by a security risk assessment. Again, checks should be made that the individual has appropriate training, qualifications and vetting in order to carry out this role. Further information about security