Safety Officer and Policy Manager

Are you a seasoned safety professional with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences?

Join Silverstone, a unique venue where motorsport is at the heart of everything we do. We're seeking a dynamic Safety Officer & Policy Manager to ensure the safety and security of our world-renowned events, as well as our diverse range of on-site activities.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Proven experience in managing safety and security at large venues, stadia, or spectator events.
• A strong background in public order and crowd control.
• A Level 4 Safety Officer qualification is essential.
• Experience in writing comprehensive safety policies and procedures.
• Extensive relevant, current professional experience of acting as a Safety Officer for major sporting events. Experience within the motorsport industry would be a significant advantage.

JOB PURPOSE

Supporting the Chief Operating Officer (who is the designated Safety officer), the Safety Officer & Policy Manager will assist in the strategic management, leadership and development of all Event Day Safety Policies and Procedures that lead to the effective execution of SCL’s Safety Certificate and Premises License.

The role will ensure the day-to-day compliance with the Safety Certificate and any other appropriate legislation and guidance.

The post-holder will act as the Event Safety Officer responsible for overseeing the safety of public, staff and contractors at individual events as required.

The post-holder will develop key relationships to ensure high quality planning of public safety during events and effective policy review and/or gap analysis and consequential action management. This will include but not be limited to internal stakeholders, emergency services, Local Authority, and other governing bodies such as FIA/FIM/Motorsport UK.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Public Safety and Policy Manager will support with the ongoing review and development of the SCL Safety Certificate and all associated policies and procedures, and will highlight any potential areas of risk. They will support all reviews in liaison with the Head of Safety, the Head of Security, the Head of Public Events and the Local Authorities and/or emergency services. Where risk/gaps may be identified, the role will ensure that sensible and efficient solutions are sought, explored and presented to the Head of Safety and Head of Public Events.
• The role will review and develop all Contingency and Serious Incident Plans, in liaison with key stakeholders, ensuring that these plans are fully compliant with the Safety Certificate and associated legislation. The role will ensure that all training and awareness is provided to both staff and contractors.
• The role will support the Public Events team during the Event planning stages, to ensure that the Event Risk Assessments, Event Management Plans and Operation Manuals, and other associated documents have been undertaken and any highlighted risks effectively managed.
• Working with the Public Events Team and the Events Security Managers, the role will ensure that all stewarding and security schedules and plans have been reviewed and signed off to ensure an appropriate and compliant level of deployment.
• Whether acting as a Safety Officer or as a Duty Manager, the role will support in the overall control of public safety operations.
• The role will ensure that the Command-and-Control structure within the Command Centre/Event Control is suitable and sufficient. The role will ensure that all communication channels are clear and roles are well defined. It will ensure that the appropriate logging of information/incidents is undertaken, recorded and followed up as required.
• The role will be aware of the Event security threat and vulnerabilities assessments and working in collaboration with the Security Mangers ensure that control measures are implemented to mitigate the identified threats and risks.
• It will include ensuring that stewarding and security agency providers are audited against UK best practise and guidelines.
• In liaison with the Head of Security, undertake a review of the training needs and requirement of the in-house stewarding and security pool, looking to develop and extend this within the volunteers’ team, exploring the options available to SCL to ensure that all stewards meet the minimum guidance for vocational qualifications in spectator safety.
• Ensure that new security standards, technology and working methods are fully investigated and adopted to ensure that services remain economically efficient, customer focused and fit for purpose.
• In accordance with the Safety Certificate, the role will deliver tabletop and other practical or theoretical exercises and ensure that these are managed to the highest standards.
• The role will be required to attend and/or chair meetings, taking notes/minutes and subsequently cascading information as appropriate.
• The role will manage any Local Authority Annual Inspections and ensure compliance and best practise within current UK national guidelines (i.e. The Green / Purple Guides).
• The role will represent SCL in respect to acquiring event specific Specialist Police Services, and Fire & Rescue Services (chargeable services).
• The role will identify any training needs of both the business and any partner agencies in respect of Event Day Safety Procedures.
• The role will carry out annual refresher training for Duty Managers and trainee Duty Manager training as well as acting as a Duty Manager when required.

Strategic Partnership & Relationship Management

• To be proactive in building positive relationships and work closely with the Local Authorities, SAG, IAG Contingencies Subgroup, MEOA Group, SGSA, CTSA’s, Police and other emergency services to develop and implement strategies to promote Public Safety during events.
• To establish a network of contacts with relevant outside agencies to ensure that SCL’s process and procedures are current and compliant.
• To proactively liaise with internal stakeholders and Departments on the day-to-day operations and planning for all events, including but not limited to areas of Health & Safety, Security, Public Events, Venue Operations and Corporate Events teams.

Systems Management

• To ensure that an appropriate documentation storage and access to by external stakeholders is explored.
• In liaison with the Health and Safety Manager, review the use of the Halo Incident management system to ensure that it is suitable and sufficient for the business needs.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• A good effective communicator at a range of levels including senior management.
• Able to demonstrate strong strategic management and leadership skills, flexibility of approach and ability to constantly re-evaluate competing priorities.
• Motivated and able to inspire confidence and demonstrate clear leadership.
• The ability to respond well in a challenging environment, to remain calm under pressure and to make informed decisions.
• Extensive relevant, current professional experience of acting as a Safety Officer for major sporting events. Experience within the motorsport industry would be beneficial.
• Have the knowledge, ability and commitment to implement ‘best practices’ relating to public safety (likely to have been gained through public events experience or similar).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• To hold Level IV Safety Officer’s qualification.
• Health & Safety Qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH Cert. minimum).
• Good working knowledge of computer skills (i.e. MS Office based tools).
• Current and valid driving licence to include manual class of vehicles.
• Operational knowledge of modern CCTV systems.

Desirable:

• First Aid at Work (or equivalent).
• Experience as A1 Assessor in Spectator Safety

SUSTAINABILITY

We don’t just look after our team and our fans. We want to look after our world too. We're committed in our responsibility to reach our zero-carbon goal. So, we've adopted greener methods within our workplace, donated more than 20 tonnes of surplus food, and installed over 2,700 solar panels which generates 13% of our venue’s power - with all other energy from 100% renewable sources. Our dedication has earned us Three Star FIA Environmental Accreditation, but this is just the start.