Safety & Security Planning Officer

Brentford Football Club; Brentford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Job Title: Safety & Security Planning Officer

Department: Operations

Reporting: Head of Safety & Security

Location: Vantage London, Great West Road, Brentford

Closing Date: 09 May 2025

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments'), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the Club; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of the Safety & Security Planning Officer

This role will be supporting and deputising for the Head of Safety & Security with the safety planning, scheduling and acting as the “Safety Officer” when required on scheduled matchdays. This role will require an individual with the qualifications of a NVQL4 in Spectator Safety management to assist the Head of Safety & Security to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety of everyone attending events at Brentford Football Club, in accordance with the General Safety Certificate terms and conditions and the Club Spectator Safety Policy.

Main Accountabilities

• As another qualified Safety officer within the club, the match fixtures for a multi-sport venue (football and rugby), and mini stadium (Wheatsheaf Park) will be scheduled and allocated with the matchday team so that 50% of the fixtures will be expected to be covered by the appointed safety officer on duty. The total fixtures for a season can be between 40 – 50 matchdays.
• Assume responsibility on behalf of the Head of Safety & Security, club and directors for the provisions of the Safety Certificate and the club’s policies in relation to spectator safety.
• Ensure all conditions of the general Safety Certificate are fully complied with.
• Continually review and keep up to date the Matchday Operations Manual, in line with the Safety Certificate, all relevant legislation and guidance.
• Assist with the responsibility and control for spectator safety and security plans accordingly in advance of each matchday working closely with the Head of Safety & Security.
• 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.
• Assist with and review the emergency action plan and liaise with the local authorities on the planning for emergency situations.
• Plan matchday stewarding and safety measures at the stadium and make appropriate recommendations to the Head of Safety & Security, Head of Operations and Facilities and that team, and to include the Operations Director and Chief Executive for consideration.
• Plan and monitor as directed - specific stewarding levels on a match day to ensure effective allocation of staff commensurate with the General Safety Certificate.
• Complete risk assessments in line with the Matchday Operations Manual.
• Assume responsibility for the provision of training and assessment for all stewards employed at the Club.
• Ensure that any aspects of the stewarding operation reflect the club’s policies in relation to customer service and the equality and diversity policy.
• Evaluate the performance of all Stewards, response teams, Stand Managers and Supervisors and initiate any action or training that may be required.
• Act as a representative of the club in regular consultation with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) including the Sports Ground Safety Authority on matters associated with the safety and security of spectators.
• Maintain strong relationships and regular dialogue with the Met Police to plan Police presence at matches as required.
• During policed matches liaise closely with the Police Match Commander.
• Co-ordinate, monitor and advise upon all safety matters affecting the stadium.
• Liaise with the Operations Director, Head of Operations and Facilities, Operations team, Technical Manager and Ticket Office Manager, Venue Sales in the build-up to matches in relation to ticket sales and any other matter as required.
• Ensure that all stewards, stand managers, supervisors and the Deputy Safety Officer are fully briefed on their duties and what is expected of them during each matchday including all aspects of the matchday operation and including emergency evacuation.
• Ensure that the provisions of the Premises licence and licensing laws are always complied with within the stadium, including when handing over the stadium to security post safety certificate operation.
• After each match complete a debrief and submit via a report to the Head of Safety & Security.
• Creating safety plans that include risk-based assessments and contingency plans dependent on the dynamic risk presented.
• This role will also be responsible with the preparation of matchday resources and event paperwork prior to an event as per the safety certificate and in readiness for inspection by the licensing authorities, where appropriate. This includes but is not limited to:
• Emergency and Contingency Planning
• Match official’s briefing
• Stewards' deployment plan
• Segregation and seating plan
• Radio call signs
• Prepare a matchday control room log
• Emergency Telephone Lists
• Manage the matchday building systems process for access doors
• Liaison with Police Officers for evidence gathering
• Incident management procedures
• Responsibility for liaison with HR for the recruitment and training and assessment of stewards and to be their relevant HR contact for all stewarding issues. Accurate records will be maintained for all stewards as to their level of training and any skills and qualifications.
• Ensuring that sufficient stewards for each role have been requested, booked and scheduled to work in line with the stewarding plan and have reported for duty and are deployed accordingly. Ensuring that all stewards have signed in/out appropriately, and records of their attendance are properly maintained.
• Monitoring steward behaviour and bring to the immediate attention of the Head of Safety & Security any grievance or disciplinary issue affecting the matchday staff.
• Investigation of complaints/disciplinary issues relating to stewards and maintaining evidential records and preparation of paperwork for subsequent appeals.
• Provision of data to the Head of Safety & Security details of relevant payroll information by the deadline date taking into consideration increases in minimum wage, temporary promotions, changes to hours worked.
• To participate & contribute to post-match fan behaviour meetings, involving investigation and sanction measures.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR).
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements.
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
• To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
• To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy.

Person Specification – Desirable Characteristics

• High level of numeracy and literacy skills.
• Experience working in a stadium environment.
• Experience working in live events.
• Previous experience as a Safety or Deputy safety officer.
• Exceptional customer service knowledge.