THANKS to a partnership between Exeter College Business Solutions and training provider Formative Consultancy & Training Services Ltd, over 20 security staff at the Exeter City’s St James’s Park home ground are celebrating – having gained their Level 2 NVQ qualifications in Spectator Safety.

In order to gain the qualification, they each had to complete six units of the course, which covered topics ranging from preparing for spectator events and dealing with accidents and emergencies to crowd monitoring, controlling entry and exit, and conflict management training.

Deputy Safety Officer Chris Easterbrook, meanwhile, has completed his Level 4 NVQ in Spectator Safety Management.

Iain Hatt, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, said: “The College, Formative Consultancy and Exeter City Football Club worked highly effectively together and, as a result, ensured that the safety stewards were able to successfully work towards achieving these qualifications. Not only will this benefit the staff and Club, but also all the supporters who regularly cheer on The Grecians at every home game.”

Congratulating all those who completed their qualifications, Ian Reed, Training Director for Formative Consultancy & Training Services, said: “It doesn’t matter what event is taking place, stewards are there to ensure people do not get injured. At the same time, they must also be prepared to deal with any eventuality on the terraces.

“The fact that all the security staff have passed these qualifications is great news for Exeter City Football Club.”

No stranger to providing training to well-known football and rugby clubs across the UK, as well as to the NHS and other major clients, Ian added: “Working with both the club and the staff at Exeter City Football Club and Exeter College has been brilliant and we found ourselves working in a really nice atmosphere. We are delighted to have been involved in this partnership with Exeter College and Exeter City Football Club to provide the training.”

Speaking on behalf of the club, Vice-Chairman Julian Tagg added: “The continual challenge to improve spectator safety and experience is very much at the forefront of thought and consideration at Exeter City Football Club. This successful training initiative, overseen by Formative Consultancy and Training Services Ltd, underpins the exceptional longstanding relationship that Exeter City has with Exeter College, bringing further considerable benefit to so many aspects of the community that both organisations serve.”

He continued: “Exeter City was recently announced by the Football League as the Family Club of the Year, the report making mention of the professionalism and friendliness of our stewards. This underlines the importance and the success of the high quality of the training.

“Our stewards are the frontline of our business, dealing first-hand with our own fans and away supporters, and the award is a fitting accolade to the success of all the parties involved.”