Deputy Safety Officer

Job title: Deputy Safety Officer

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week plus all home matchdays. In addition, the role will include weekend and evening work.

Department: Matchday Safety & Security

Location: Elland Road

DBS: Applicant will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Role Summary

The Deputy Safety Officer will be responsible for ensuring, as far as reasonably possible, the safety of everyone attending events at the Stadium, in accordance with the Safety Certificate terms and conditions and the Club’s Policy for Spectator Safety, through the establishment, operations and monitoring of suitable systems and controls, maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation and best practice.

The post holder shall have no other duties on a match day, other than those involved in the execution of the role of Deputy Safety Officer.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of all matches and events at Elland Road Stadium, to ensure the management and operation of those events is fully compliant with all of the requirements of the Safety Certificate, national legislation and with the guidelines set down by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).

• Assist to develop and promulgate Safety Policies for the Club for match days and events in line with changes in legislation, best practice and identified problems through appropriate risk assessment.

• Assist the Stewarding Staffing Manager with the processes of recruitment, training, development and motivation of staff working within the match day safety & security team, whilst ensuring compliance with club policies on Spectator Safety, Health and Safety, relevant legislation and industry best practice.

• Assist in drafting deployment plans to ensure the appropriate positioning of stewards and other personnel on matchdays to ensure the numbers of staff and allocation complies with the Safety Certificate.

• Assist with carrying out relevant checks and assessments as required by the SGSA Green Guide, of physical infrastructure relating to matchday operations.

• Assist with ensuring the stadium is fit for purpose and fully compliant with all Health & Safety legislation for the staging of all events on the premises, in accordance with the General Safety Certificate.

• Assist with the building of key relationships with the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and relevant officers from Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Sports Ground Safety Authority, the Premier League and other partner organisations in relation to the organisation and management of all matches and events to ensure they meet a consistently high standard. Attend relevant meetings as required.

• Assist with the hosting of pre-match and post-match debriefs, the production of associated documents and the review of post match reports, actioning any matters to be addressed.

• Assist with the implementation of the Spectator Disciplinary policy, including the investigation of matchday incidents and taking the appropriate action to either warn or suspend spectators; drafting correspondence to spectators receiving club bans and liaising closely with police for any matters that involve an offence; chairing behaviour agreement meetings and managing the disciplinary register.

• Assist in the reviewing of operations manuals, polices, procedures and documents relating to matchday operations and security, updating as necessary.

• Assist to continually review the operation of the department and implement actions to improve its effectiveness and keep up to date with changes/trends in football and adopt best practice where appropriate.

• To cover as Safety Officer for any U23, U21 and any Ladies matches held at the Stadium.

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Spectator Safety Management

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience (minimum of 2 years) working as a Safety Officer or Deputy Safety Officer within a sports ground setting or large public venue, preferably at a large football stadium.

• A wide knowledge and experience of the safety issues in relevant sporting venues and an excellent working knowledge of the SGSA Green Guide

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office and be computer literate.

• Highly developed problem-solving skills, is resilient, works well in pressurised and stressful situations, with the ability to resolve conflicts in a calm and professional manner.

• Sound organisational skills, able to prioritise and manage own workload effectively.

• Develop a culture of continuous improvement and the ability to embed this ethos within the Matchday Safety team.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate confidently with the public, contractors, employees at all levels in and outside the Club.

• Strong leadership and management skills and excellent decision-making skills

• The ability to implement and manage safety procedures at all levels

• To understand the importance of confidentiality around sensitive safety matters.

• The ability to interpret and implement policies as required.

Ideal Behaviours

• Flexible and a team player

• Inspires others and is a positive role model

• Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily

• Demands high standards and has an attention to detail

• Shares the vision and values of the Club and is motivated to achieve its objectives

• Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Club

• Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts

• Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through

• Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks

• Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals

• Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice

• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement

• Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be

• A positive attitude undertaking any aspect of the job role.