Supporting London 2012 Olympics

The SGSA played an integral part in the safe and secure delivery of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Games were centered around the Olympic Park in east London. Up to 180,000 spectators a day entered the Park to enjoy the Games, making it the principal focus of Olympic activity.

We assisted the London Local Organising Committee for the Olympic Games in understanding and ensuring spectator safety and venue licensing issues. In addition, the local authorities involved in certifying and licensing the many and varied venues throughout London and the UK also needed assistance and expert input.

Ahead of the London Olympics 2012 two of our inspectors worked at a strategic level to help make the games at all of the venues the huge success that they were. This was delivered by seconding inspectors into the customer organisation to ensure a close working relationship.

Specifically, we provided strategic and tactical input to a number of functions and matters which included:

• Monitoring and validating strategic direction;
• Assisting in the development of operations plans;
• Monitoring and validating safety documentation;
• Assessing the quality and delivery of training for stewards and volunteers;
• Monitoring and validating the progress of venue safety certificates;
• Advising on compliance with UK regulations and licensing;
• Advising on the development of contingency plans and capacity for venues;
• Assessing the briefing and deployment of staff at Games time.

Our contribution ensured that the London Games were delivered on time and provided a safe and welcoming environment for the many visitors.  It is widely recognised that the London 2012 Games set the standard for safety against which future Games will be judged.