An event stewarding qualification has been launched: the Level 2 Certificate in Event Security Operations.
The Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) have endorsed the qualification which is aimed at providing the initial step along a pathway of new qualifications for those entering the industry. Funding is available for those who wish to take advantage, the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) adds.
The new qualification gives those wishing to pursue working opportunities in stewarding understanding of what organisers of all types of events require to do their job, with particular emphasis on health and safety and customer service.
Mark Harding, pictured left, chairman of the UKCMA, says: “This is an exciting addition to the qualifications which are available to anyone wishing to work in our industry. The UKCMA identified a growing need for the development of such a qualification, but it has been the commitment and drive of industry-wide experts which has got us to a position where we can now offer this Level 2 Certificate as an entry level qualification.
“This meets the needs of many event clients and local authorities who wish to see trained staff on site rather than candidates in the process of training.
“The progressive development which has got us where we are today has involved three key stages: the redefining of National Occupational Standards, the conducting of a feasibility study and then, based on the results of that study, the development of the Level 2 Certificate.
“The progressive development which has got us where we are today has involved three key stages: the redefining of National Occupational Standards, the conducting of a feasibility study and then, based on the results of that study, the development of the Level 2 Certificate. Throughout this whole process, many organisations and individuals have wanted the best outcome in terms of the learning process for stewards across all types of venues and events with a key objective being to achieve the consolidation of best practice. As well as the support of HABC and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, individuals who deserve special mention for their contribution are Martin Girvan and Ruth Oliver.”
James Rockley, pictured right, Highfield Business Development Director, said: “It’s important that organisations such as UKCMA and Highfield are able to work together to ensure that the sector’s views on training and development are heard, and that we respond to those views in creating qualifications that genuinely meet the needs of employers and employees alike. It was an honour to work with a body as professional and respected as the UKCMA, and I believe that this partnership signposts the way for future co-operation in the skills sector.
“The HABC Level 2 Certificate in Event Security Operations covers all areas that employers have told us they require staff to know such as crowd management, health and safety and customer service, along with optional but vital subjects like how to use radios properly and safeguarding children and young people. It can also be used to go on and achieve other relevant qualifications in the sector such as HABC Level 2 NVQ in Spectator Safety, helping learners to build their portfolio of transferrable skills so that they can contribute even more to their organisations.”
The certificate was launched on August 4 with a workshop at Academy House in Doncaster where it was confirmed that funding was available for those wishing to put staff through the training. Initial trials of the qualification have gone well, organisers report, and the first recipients of the certificate are already benefiting from it in going about their day-to-day stewarding duties.
It’s mainly a knowledge-based qualification with some elements of practical demonstration and assessment of performance in the workplace. While the qualification allows stewards to work at a wide range of events, the support of the SGSA means that it also satisfies the minimum level of training required to work independently within a sports ground. Visit https://www.highfieldabc.com/SpectatorSafety/Level2ESO.aspx.
