Company Name:
Barnsley
Location:
Barnsley
Vacancy Type:
Permanent
Advertising End Date:
24 Jul 2025

About The Role

We’re looking for a dedicated and proactive Safety Officer to lead on all aspects of spectator and event safety at Oakwell.

As the Club’s designated expert in safety and counter-terrorism, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the Safety Certificate, relevant legislation, and the Club’s own Safety Policy. From matchdays to major events, you’ll be the driving force behind our safety culture – planning, coordinating, and delivering robust safety operations that protect fans, staff, and players alike.

You’ll work closely with key stakeholders including the EFL, FA, local authorities, emergency services, and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), ensuring our operations meet the highest standards. You’ll also lead on the implementation of counter-terrorism measures, including compliance with the upcoming Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law), and act as the Club’s liaison with counter-terrorism police and intelligence services.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role that requires leadership, resilience, and a deep understanding of crowd safety, emergency planning, and risk management. You’ll oversee stewarding operations in conjunction with our stewarding provider and ensure the continued safety of our operations. 

Strategic safety leadership 
• Act as the Club’s lead expert on all safety-related matters, including counter-terrorism, ensuring compliance with national strategies such as the Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law). 
• Develop and maintain the Club’s Health and Safety Policy in line with current legislation and best practice. 
• Lead the development and implementation of safety policies and procedures across all departments. 
• Ensure full compliance with the Safety Certificate and relevant sports ground legislation.

Matchday and event safety operations
• Perform the role of Safety Officer for First Team, Youth Development matches played on Oakwell and any other events.
• Lead all pre-match planning, including risk assessments and operational decisions based on intelligence.
• Determine and manage the appropriate number of safety stewards (Club and agency staff) for each event.
• Ensure the smooth and safe operational running of the stadium on matchdays and during events.
• Oversee the appointment, training, and development of matchday safety supervision staff.
• Liaise with the external staffing provider to book in matchday stewarding & car park staff, authorising timesheets and approving payment.

Emergency and counter terrorism preparedness
• Develop and regularly review emergency procedures, including evacuation and lockdown plans.
• Liaise with counter-terrorism police and integrate intelligence into safety planning.
• Ensure the Club is prepared for and compliant with counter-terrorism legislation and guidance.

Stakeholder engagement and compliance
• Liaise with the EFL, FA, local authority, Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Safety Advisory Group (SAG), and other relevant bodies.
• Attend all relevant meetings on behalf of the Club to discuss health and safety, spectator safety, and related issues.
• Ensure that agreed safety actions and recommendations are implemented effectively.

Contractor and resource management
• Source and manage contractor services related to safety and event operations.
• Ensure all third-party providers meet the Club’s safety standards and legal obligations.

Compliance and incident management
• Manage complaints from a governance, compliance, matchday, and spectator perspective.
• Lead post-event debriefs and produce safety reports with recommendations for improvement. 
• Investigate matchday and event incidents thoroughly, implementing appropriate sanctions, including issuing behavioural agreements and banning orders where necessary.

Administrative and financial oversight
• Ensure financial procedures are followed, including raising and logging purchase order requisitions.
• Provide regular updates on planned and committed safety-related expenditure.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and the post holder is also required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required appropriate to the level of the post.


About The Candidate

The ideal candidate will: 
• Have a wide knowledge and experience of safety issues in relevant sporting venues.
• Ability to implement and manage safety procedures at all levels.
• In depth understanding of counter terrorism legislation and guidance.
• Experience in liaising with counter terrorism police units and integrating intelligence into safety planning.
• Able to develop and deliver emergency and contingency plans.
• Be flexible with working hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Be a team player with a collaborative approach to working across departments.
• Understand and work in line with Health & Safety principles and practices.
• Be trustworthy and adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct and Ethics 
• Adhere to protocol and respect confidentiality in all matters, protecting any data relating to the area of work in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 
• Consistently demonstrate high standards of professionalism and confidentiality
• Be committed to personal & professional development
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people 
• Be always respectful of others and behave in a non-discriminatory manner as per the Equality Act 2010

Qualifications
• Level 4 qualification in Event Safety Management
• Member of appropriate professional governing body desirable
Apply

Other jobs like this

    Similar

    Safety Officer

    Company Name:
    Barnsley
    Location:
    Barnsley
    Vacancy Type:
    Permanent
    Advertising End Date:
    24 Jul 2025
    More Info
    Latest

    Pre-Academy Phase Coach, U7/U8's - Sessional

    Company Name:
    Bolton Wanderers
    Location:
    Bolton
    Vacancy Type:
    Casual/Sessional
    Position:
    Academy
    Advertising End Date:
    29 Jul 2025
    More Info
    Latest

    Foundation Phase Academy Coach, U9-U12's - Sessional

    Company Name:
    Bolton Wanderers
    Location:
    Bolton
    Vacancy Type:
    Casual/Sessional
    Position:
    Academy
    Advertising End Date:
    29 Jul 2025
    More Info