Paul Howes

Safety Officer @Management Solutions & Training Ltd

Eastbourne, GB

As the club’s Lead Safety Officer, I carry overall responsibility for keeping every fixture and stadium event safe and compliant. That means ensuring the venue always meets the requirements of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act, SGSA guidance, and the conditions of our General Safety Certificate.On matchdays, I oversee safety operations for crowds of up to 1,500 people. My role covers everything from stewarding and crowd control through to segregation, emergency planning, and, when needed, making quick, calm decisions under pressure.I work closely with police, fire, ambulance services and our Local Authority Safety Advisory Group, acting as the main point of contact to make sure plans are joined up and robust. Behind the scenes, I take the lead on risk assessments, contingency planning, and incident reviews, so we’re not just compliant but always improving.Another key part of the role is building and leading the stewarding team. I recruit, train, and support a group of supervisors and stewards, with a real focus on professionalism and spectator care. On event days, I also oversee the control room, managing CCTV, PA/VA systems, and turnstile monitoring.Safeguarding, accessibility, and equality are also central to my responsibilities, making sure every spectator has a safe and inclusive experience.It’s a role that demands detailed knowledge of legislation, a steady hand in challenging moments, and the ability to lead people effectively while keeping the bigger safety picture in view.