Spireites praised for matchday stewarding

The Spireites have been praised by the Football Safety Officers Association for the standard of the club’s matchday stewarding.

More than 70 Chesterfield FC matchday stewards have achieved a National Vocational Qualification in spectator control, awarded by City and Guilds.

The club has new training procedures in place for new stewards, including a mentoring system where all new stewards are allocated a mentor, a senior steward who introduces them to the basics of the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

The mentors complete an electronic feedback document on the progress of the new stewards which is passed on to trainers/assessors to ensure the highest standards are achieved.

The club has also increased its focus on moving and handling awareness, as well as the use of emergency evacuation equipment, enhanced equality and diversity, customer care and conflict management training.

Mobile radio training also trains stewards in the use of correct policy and procedures, as well as the importance of considering confidentiality when transmitting sensitive and private information.

John Newsham, FSOA business development manager, said:-

“It is great to see Chesterfield FC introducing new high standards for the training of stewards to ensure the best delivery on matchdays. Congratulations to all newly- qualified stewards.”

Colin Nellist, who recently retired after 14 years as the stadium manager, is pleased that the club’s commitment to providing quality training for matchday stewards has been recognised.

He said:-

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get this far, which couldn’t have been achieved with the help and support received from the trainers/assessors, John Mason and Sarah Pickering.

“As with any project, there is always more work to be done, but I am satisfied that the matchday stewarding is being handed over to my successor, Tony Booker, in good shape.”