Registration opens. Refreshments and exhibition available.

Plenary 1 – Looking towards the next five years

Welcome from Conference Chair – Sam Quek

SGSA Strategy 2030:  safe, secure and welcoming sports grounds for all – Giles Smith, Chief Executive, SGSA

The SGSA’s new Strategy outlines its unwavering commitment to championing the safety of live sports.  In his speech, Giles will set out his assessment of the progress that has been made over the past year, as well as the priorities for the future.

Introducing the next Green Guide

Ken Scott MBE will introduce the launch of the process towards the publication of the next (seventh) edition of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), due in 2028.

Expert presentations from:

• Rita Ochoa, AFL Architects – Developing stadiums for different demographics
• Professor Aoife Hunt, University of Greenwich – Crowd parameters research

Questions from the audience

Refreshments and exhibition

Breakout session 1

Delegates can choose from one of the four following sessions:

Green Guide 7 – early consultation

A chance to hear and discuss the potential topics and themes to be covered in the next edition of the Green Guide.  This will be the first time you’ll hear in detail from the team involved, and be able to have your say from the outset.

Speakers include:

• Ken Scott, Green Guide Lead Author and Andrea Jones, Editor, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Fan engagement and Safety Advisory Groups

This session focuses on the vital role of fan engagement within safety advisory groups (SAGs).  It will consider some of the challenges around fan involvement, and how these can be overcome.

Speakers include:

• David Rose and Thomas Concannon – Football Supporters’ Association
• Wendy Harnan-Kajzer – Sports Grounds Safety Authority
• Pritesh Mistry – Luton Council and Chair, National Joint SAG Chairs Group

Next generation control rooms: Technology in safety and security operations

This session will explore how innovative technological solutions are helping to reshape control rooms. It will include case studies and emerging trends to demonstrate the pivotal role of technology in redefining safety and security operations.

Speakers include:

• Natalie Freeman – Chelsea FC
• Gavin Ward – OCS
• Sarah Walters – The Jockey Club
• David Clarke – Edgbaston Cricket

Fire safety at sports grounds: current and future challenges

This breakout session will delve into the current challenges and future considerations surrounding fire safety at sports grounds.

Speakers include:

• Paul Brunt, Manchester United FC
• Tim Burgin, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Lunch

Breakout session 2

Delegates can choose from one of the four following sessions:

Service and the spectator journey

The session will explore the how a positive spectator journey not only fosters customer satisfaction but also has a significant impact on safety protocols and crowd management.

Speakers include:

• Dr Jo Welford, Sports Grounds Safety Authority
• Hannah Buckley, Women’s Professional League Ltd
• Hannah Powis, AFC Bournemouth

Annual inspections at sports grounds – understanding local authority responsibilities

This short training session from SGSA Inspectors aims to promote the knowledge and understanding regarding annual inspections at sports grounds. It will look at the statutory requirements, key guidelines from Home Office Circular 72/1987, and the importance of understanding safety management principles.

Speakers include:

• Mark Smith and Tim Burgin, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Vehicle security barriers at event venues

This session will hear about new research and soon to be published guidance in relation to the mitigating against terrorism threats during ingress and egress and the movement of crowds during these periods.

Speakers include:

• Simon Owen and Romario Nash, Movement Strategies
• Matty Butcher, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Safeguarding

This session will hear from the Ann Craft Trust on the importance of safeguarding and will explore understanding safeguarding frameworks, the challenges involved and the importance of the Safeguarding Plan.

Speakers include:

• Catherine Sykes, Ann Craft Trust
• Alexandra Richards, EFL
• Wendy Harnan-Kajzer, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Breakout session 3

Delegates can choose from one of the four following sessions:

Green Guide 7 – early consultation

A chance to hear and discuss the potential topics and themes to be covered in the next edition of the Green Guide.  This will be the first time you’ll hear in detail from the team involved, and be able to have your say from the outset.

(This is a repeat of the earlier session.)

Speakers include:

• Ken Scott, Green Guide Lead Author and Andrea Jones, Editor, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Championing inclusion: the new Accessible Stadia guidance

This breakout session is being led by Level Playing Field and is focused on the forthcoming publication of the new edition of the Accessible Stadia guidance.  As sports grounds strive to create inclusive environments for all spectators, this session will delve into the key components, recommendations, and how the new guidance can be used.

Speakers include:

• Owain Davies and Ruth Hopkins, Level Playing Field
• Ann Ramage, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Stewarding

This session will go into detail of the crucial role of stewards at sports grounds, and provide an update on the stewarding reform project being spearheaded by the Premier League and EFL. 

Speakers include:

• Eileen Williams MBE, Premier League
• Martin Girvan, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Medical provision at sports grounds

This session will focus on the current challenges and changes around medical provision at sports grounds, particularly in relation to implementing the recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Speakers include:

• Mark Cutler, The FA
• Andy Robinson and Matty Butcher, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Refreshments and exhibition

Plenary 2 – Sports grounds, safety and Martyn’s Law

Understanding the implementation of Martyn’s Law for sports grounds, local authorities and others.

Message from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth

Presentation from Home Office and Security Industry Authority.

Questions from the audience.

Olympian moment – an interview with Sam Quek by SGSA’s own Olympian, Martin Girvan.

Close of conference – Derek Wilson, Chair, Sports Grounds Safety Authority

Conference ends