Name of client:

Ipswich Town Football Club

Overview of client requirements:

The government have recently introduced new legislation through the Security Industry Association (SIA) which demands the regulation and training of all security personnel. Football stewards are now required to complete a training course including a module of conflict training and the FA has developed a basic course which is the minimum standard. The club expressed the need for the training to reflect on local issues and to continue to focus on the family led theme. In addition, the club wished to improve stewarding capabilities and performance in relation to handling aggressive, drunk or difficult people and also searching individuals prior to entry. It was also identified that the club required an efficient system for reporting and recording incidents and offences within the stadia and requested a solution from IKON Training.

The solution we provided:

In order to assist Ipswich Towns reporting system we designed, developed and produced incident and offence cards for individual issue to stewards. These forms are now part of the stewarding handbook, in circulation with all stewards and an essential part of their reporting system.

We produced a course, following a consultation process with the Ipswich Town Safety and Security Manager to encompass the aims and objectives of the FA course and to include our experience within this field. The FA course is the minimum requirement, and as such when we designed the course, we felt it essential that additional communication models were included and some physical skills, including safe removal of individuals and searching. Statistically, assaults on stewards are relatively low and from our consultation period we understood that the club wished to improve on the communication and diffusing skills of their staff. Additionally, in the training we covered reporting procedures and guidelines in relation to the newly developed incident and offence cards to ensure staff have the confidence to fully use this essential resource in the clubs audit trail.

Quote/Reference from client:

"Ipswich Town Football Club has used the services of IKON Training for the last three seasons to deliver Stewards Conflict Management and the Club's Manual Handling training. Without question, the feedback from those undertaking the courses has been first class with the aims and objectives of the courses always being met. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable on their given subjects and have delivered the training in a very professional and informative manner. ITFC will continue to use the services of IKON Training in the future."

Mick Warden, Head of Safety and Security, Ipswich Town Football Club

Feedback from participants on the course

“Excellent course, well instructed, informative, enjoyable, factual and humours in places. Have learnt a great deal”

“A very enjoyable afternoon. Course went by very quickly lots learnt. Thank you”

“All three trainers were excellent and I enjoyed the training very much Thank you”

“The trainers exhibited a professional yet friendly approach to a potentially difficult subject matter. The afternoon participation was excellent and has given me confidence for the role”

“The course worked very well and enjoyed the course very much”

“The diversity of the training of practical, informative and physical activities helps you stay interested and alert”

Client Website:

www.itfc.co.uk