Registration opens. Refreshments and exhibition available

Plenary 1 – Safety

Plenary One – Safety

Welcome from Conference Chair

Introducing the new SGSA Chief Executive – an interview with Giles Smith

Discussion panel – Safety at sports grounds across multiple uses

Sports grounds, whether large or small, are being used commercially as multi-use venues. This discussion considers different perspectives for using a ground beyond what it was originally designed for. The panel will consider:

• Resolving issues between safety and commercial priorities
• How changing demographics of audience impacts safety plans
• The critical role of local authorities

Panel includes:

• Christian Kent – Head of Venue, Conferencing & Events, Plymouth Argyle
• Sheila Roberts – Director of Licensing and Regulatory Services, London Borough of Newham
• Sarah Walters – Head of Group Health, Safety and Security

Questions from the audience

Refreshments and exhibition

Breakout sessions

Sustainability, climate change and safety

Climate change presents a significant challenge for the sports industry, with stadiums being major consumers of energy and resources. However, stadiums also have a unique opportunity to become leaders in sustainability. This session will consider what grounds can do to address this, using best practice from across the country.

Stewarding supplies

Stewarding continues to be a critical issue for all sports grounds. The balance between in-house and agency supplies is always a widely discussed issue. This panel will consider good practice that’s happening around the sports sector at the moment, and what can be done to support stewarding in the future.

Near misses

A near miss is an event that, while not causing harm, has the potential to cause injury or ill health.  This mini training session, led by SGSA’s Deputy Heads of Inspectorate Wendy Harnan-Kajzer and Martin Girvan, will go through the importance of monitoring and acting on near misses, and both the sports ground’s and local authority’s roles in this.

Promoting positive fan behaviour

Positive fan behaviour requires a multi-faceted approach. This session considers some of the challenges faced by grounds over recent years, how they are being dealt with, and how working in partnership can create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Lunch

Plenary 2 – Security

An hour-long session focussing on elements related to Zone Ex

Facilitated by SGSA’s Head of Inspectorate, Ken Scott MBE, the discussion will consider the following themes in detail, and how they link with Martyn’s Law:

• The extent of Zone Ex
• Staffing and personnel in Zone Ex
• Physical impacts on spectator behaviour

Panel includes:

• Chris Simpson – Detective Chief Inspector and Head of Engagement, National Counter Terrorism Security Office
• Chris Whyte –Director of Public Realm, Brent Council
• Dr Aoife Hunt MBE – Market Leader, Movement Strategies

Breakout sessions

Cyber security and safety

Modern stadiums are complex technological marvels, filled with interconnected systems that handle ticketing, concessions, security, and more. But with this technological prowess comes a vulnerability: cybercrime. Cyber security is a critical area for sports grounds safety. This session explores this in more detail.

Design of sports grounds for the future

The future of stadium design promises to be an exciting blend of innovation, sustainability, and fan experience, whilst all catering for differing demographics.  With the seventh edition of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide) due in five years, this session discusses what the future may look like.

Near misses

A near miss is an event that, while not causing harm, has the potential to cause injury or ill health.  This mini training session, led by SGSA’s Deputy Heads of Inspectorate Wendy Harnan-Kajzer and Martin Girvan, will go through the importance of monitoring and acting on near misses, and both the sports ground’s and local authority’s roles in this.

Promoting positive fan behaviour

Positive fan behaviour requires a multi-faceted approach. This session considers some of the challenges faced by grounds over recent years, how they are being dealt with, and how working in partnership can create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Refreshments and exhibition

Plenary 3 – Service

Implementing the fan-led review – an introduction to the incoming football regulator – Martyn Henderson OBE, Interim Chief Operating Officer

Discussion panel – The importance of service for fans

This panel will consider why service is important, and how good experiences throughout the spectator journey positively impact behaviour and safety generally.

Panel includes:

• Martyn Henderson OBE – Interim Chief Operating Officer, Independent Football Regulator
• Owain Davies – Chief Executive, Level Playing Field
• Michael Brunskill, Head of Communications, Football Supporters’ Association
• Gaz Morris – Head of Guest Experience, Lancashire Cricket Club

Questions from the audience

Close of conference – Derek Wilson, SGSA Chair

Conference ends