Eveyone has gone to some sort of to a football match, music concert or even a local county show. At these events you’d have seen a sizeable army of people, usually high vis jackets who can more often than not don’t seem be doing much! So what are the roles of a steward at large events, and why are they so essential.
For large events, most venues will ensure that there are high minimum levels of training for all of their event stewards. In the UK this is a level 2 NVQ qualification as a minimum standard.
The first role for any steward is to oversee the customers coming into and away from the venue. This is particularly important at events where high volumes of people leave en masse once the event has ended. eg football games or concerts.at the end of the show or match. This avoids the chances for crushes to happen and ensures the safety of the crowd who may often be intoxicated!
Even more importantly, the need for stewarding is becasue that they are the first line of response to accidents and emergencies. This includes everything from simple first aid training to fire safety. Having someone on the ground who can deal with extraordinary cases could mean the difference between life and death.
Basic steward training also covers conflict management. This does not include physical restraint; instead communication is the key A large proportion of stewards are taken from temporary job agencies and are not there to put themselves at risk. The police will always be close by for any serious problems.
Good event management will have excellent planning, good signage and hopefully should result in the need for very little involvement from any steward.


