Deputy Safety Officer

What are the responsibilities?

• Perform the role of Deputy Safety Officer as outlined in the Green/Purple Guide – Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds/Guide to Safety at Music & Other Events
• Be fully familiar with the matchday commitments of the Safety Officer and deputise in their absence (subject to Safety Advisory Group approval).
• Support the Safety Officer 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, legislation and with the guidelines set down by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).
• Prepare and complete all necessary documentation, eg. Match Day Briefings, risk assessments, intelligence reports, match reports, and other match-related documentation.
• Working with all internal stakeholders to deliver a safe and inclusive matchday experience that reinforces the Club’s values and culture.
• Support 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.
• Work closely with the Safety Officer to draft 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.
• Carry out relevant checks and assessments as required by the SGSA Green Guide, of physical infrastructure relating to matchday operations, 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.
• Liaise where necessary 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.
• Review operations manuals, polices, procedures and documents relating to matchday operations and security, updating as necessary.
• Adhere to the legislative requirements prescribed under the General Safety Certificate for the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 as amended 1987 and Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sports Act 1987.

Person Specification

Recruiting with the intention to develop allows us to invest in the right potential at the early stages of their career, supported by targeted training and relevant qualifications. If we spot a high-potential candidate, we are committed to supporting ongoing professional development, including assistance with obtaining the NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety Management qualification.

Experience in or around crowd safety operations in sport and/or live events.

Understanding of event safety legislation, planning, and compliance.

Calm under pressure, proactive, values-driven and commercially aware.

Demonstrate good levels of IT literacy, particularly using Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint (all Microsoft packages)

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

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

The ability to implement and manage safety procedures

Experience in crowd dynamics and spectator safety

NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Spectator Safety Management (or working towards)

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

Why Should You Join Leeds United?

Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters.

In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a highly competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a wide range of exciting perks and benefits.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.