3.
SGSA WIDER DEFINITION OF SAFETY CONSULTATION RESPONSE
Personal D
The Group had received the response to the consultation issued by SSGA.
updated the Group. The consequences of the widening of the definition was that all
people present should be protected against dangers, not just the spectators. Also
that anti-social behaviour, crowd disorder and counter-terrorism should all be subject
to the General Safety Certificate. The consequence was that these risks should be
documented with mitigating policies and procedures and formalised in the Safety
Certificate. Some elements of employee safety that came under the Health and
Safety at Work Act provisions could now come within the Safety Certificate. There
could be a crossover with District Council responsibilities and it was therefore
important to establish close liaison. There might be crossover where it is legitimate
to include H&S matters in the Safety Certificate, such as protective equipment on
matchdays for stewards and fire stewards. It was important however to avoid getting
Personal Data
drawn into everyday H&S issues.
advice was to review the certification process
and documentation (SGSA would be providing a checklist) and review the
membership and terms of reference of the SAG. Guidance had been issued and more
would follow together with templates. It was accepted by SGSA that this would take
some time to work through.
Personal D suggested that it might be necessary to build working relationships with the City
council regarding who enforces H&S at work. RIDDOR would report to the District
Council but the SAG may need to be aware of it.
Personal D said that SGSA was willing to act as an arbiter where there was disagreement
and that it would be holding regional presentations to support safety authorities.
The Chairman proposed (and it was agreed) that a core sub group be established as
set out below (other stakeholders to be invited as appropriate) to work through the
requirements and review the documentation for Carrow Road and then the regulated
stands:
• Police
• Fire
• NPS
• Club
The Chairman said that he would try to convene an initial meeting of the sub-group
in the new year.
4.
PERSISTENT STANDING/CHILDREN STANDING ON SEATS/MATCH DAY AUDIT
REPORTS
The Chairman set out the background to this item and referred to the detailed reports
submitted as part of the match-day audits of the fixtures against Derby County,
Barnsley and Preston North End. This followed a complaint by a supporter which had
been copied to the SAG Chairman. The issue was in the Lower Barclay Block A. The
complainant had said he was unable to view matches without standing up, due to
those in front of him standing. He was seeking action by the Club to stop the persistent
standing. However, the complainant had also alleged that due to the persistent
standing, some children were unable to see and had taken to standing on the back
of seats. This was clearly dangerous and unacceptable.
Personal Data
The Chairman said that having become aware of the allegation, he and
had met with the Club to discuss the situation and to make clear that action
had to be taken to prevent the standing on seats. The Club shared the concerns and
indicated that it would be looking to introduce firmer stewarding to try to get
supporters to sit. The Chairman had said that the SAG would monitor the situation
over coming fixtures to establish whether the Club are able to manage the area safely
and prevent children standing on seats.
The reports presented showed the outcome of the three monitoring inspections,
which was that the Club had not been able to manage the area safely, despite
concerted efforts by the stewards, who had received considerable personal abuse
from spectators. This meant that the SAG now needed to consider possible
enforcement action, including a reduction in the ‘S’ Factor for the area in question to
a capacity level that would enable the Club to manage the area safely. Alternatively,
the Club would need to propose acceptable additional measures to resolve the issue.
Personal explained the measures the club had taken – both in term of stewarding and also
offering to relocate those children who were prepared to move to other seats in the
stadium. The Club was determined to deal with the issue, but needed the support of
the SAG. He asked for the SAG’s agreement to the Club’s proposal that before the
next home game (Sheffield Wednesday), the club would send a letter to all the
season-ticket holders in Block A, appealing to them to remain seated, and setting out
in clear terms the implications of not complying with the ground regulations around
persistent standing. In addition, there would be more robust stewarding of children
standing on seats and pro-active policing of the area. He hoped that this would
eliminate the danger to children but also make supporters realise the serious nature
of the problem. The Club said that if this was unsuccessful, it would look to close 15
rows in Block A, with the spectators affected being relocated elsewhere in the ground.
The SAG unanimously agreed that the Club should have a final opportunity to
address this issue and supported its proposed approach. (i.e. the letter to supporters
and a proactive approach to preventing children standing on seats). The SAG would
be represented at the forthcoming fixture to observe the situation and then consider
next steps should there be no improvement.
5.
POLICE POSITION STATEMENTS
a.
Late Kick-Offs
SAG considered the letter from ACC Megicks to the Club concerning policing late
kick offs. Effectively the Constabulary was reserving the right to require notice of
changes to policed match start times for TV purposes. It was not anticipated this
would be an issue with the club nor the SAG.
b.
Silver Command
SAG considered the letter form ACC Megicks to the Club concerning the location of
Police Silver Commanders. There would be no practical effect on the club.
13.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
i)
CE said that there was to be an exercise run by the College of Policing, at
Police HQ in Wymondham on 7 February and that all the emergency services
would be represented. He asked anyone interested in attending to let him
know.
Personal
ii)
said it was likely that Chelsea would want 15% of full capacity for the FA
Cup fixture on 6 January and the Club intended to revert to using segregation
netting for the fixture. The SAG were happy with this.
Next SAG Meeting is on Tuesday 13 March at 10.00 a.m.
CW-SAGMINS051217