Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
First Report - Safety at major sporting events
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 174
Published 29 December 2023
Recommendations
2
Accepted
Work to foster improved relationships with other governments for policing sporting events.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government should work to foster improved relationships with other governments on policing sporting events, in order to bolster the role of British police travelling with UK teams and their collaboration with local forces. (Paragraph 20) Policing
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Government Response Summary
The government detailed existing mechanisms like the National Football Information Point (NFIP) and UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) that already foster international collaboration and information sharing for policing sporting events. It also noted ongoing learning from past events and collaboration with German counterparts for future championships.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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3
Accepted
Para 30
Ensure passage of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill this parliamentary session.
Recommendation
The unauthorised entry of ticketless individuals at football matches creates a risk to their safety and the safety of legitimate, paying fans. While such acts are likely already illegal, the lack of a distinct criminal penalty that includes the use …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming it supported the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill at its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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16
Accepted
Para 74
Develop and publish minimum stewarding standards in consultation with major sporting events stakeholders
Recommendation
Stewards, employers and fans would all benefit from clarity on the roles, responsibilities and standards for stewards. We recommend that the Sports Ground Safety Authority should develop and publish minimum expectations for stewarding standards in consultation with all those involved …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlined existing standards and a comprehensive plan developed by the SGSA's Working Group to raise stewarding standards in football, funded by the Premier League and EFL. This plan includes improved training, professional development, and a national register for stewards.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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17
Accepted
Establish a central training fund for stewards, funded by sporting leagues' revenues
Recommendation
Despite efforts at self-regulation, clubs and governing bodies have failed to set and enforce coherent minimum stewarding standards, to the detriment of the experiences of stewards and the safety of attendees. We recommend that the Government and SGSA should work …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlined a comprehensive, £1.5 million, three-year reform package for stewarding in football, funded by the Premier League and EFL. This package includes improved training, professional development, and a national steward register, directly addressing the call for a central training fund and improved standards.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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18
Accepted
Para 86
Mandate local authorities to include diverse perspectives at Safety Advisory Groups.
Recommendation
Safety Advisory Groups are the one major opportunity for sport stakeholders to voice their priorities and concerns for safety at events. It is wrong that any group should have its input restricted, but this too often seems to be the …
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Government Response Summary
The government indicated that existing guidance from the Emergency Planning College already recommends a diverse list of stakeholders for Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), balancing expert advice with flexibility, without mandating further inclusions.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (1)
4
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 35
We echo calls for sporting bodies to increase their contribution to the safety of fans outside of the stadium. While direct responsibility, in line with the recommendations of the Casey Review, would require significant changes in policing and event management, increased financial contributions would not. Clubs that benefit from matchday …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights the existing National Football Information Point (NFIP) and UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) which collate and distribute intelligence to prevent football-related crime and disorder, implying current structures address fan safety.