- Whats New |
- The FLA |
- Licensing |
- Safety Certification |
- Spectator Safety |
- FAQs |
- Publications |
The FLA
Related / Useful Links
Our Latest Publication
Minutes of the hundred and forty fourth meeting of the Football Licensing Authority held on 13 November 2007 at Harcourt House, London
Present
Mr AJ Speed - Chairman
Mr B Batson
Miss P Carvell
Dr J Dickie
Mr J Garner
Dr B Robertson
Ms J Summerell
Mr J Woodrow
Mr J R K de Quidt - Chief Executive
In attendance
Mr KD Sears
Mrs N A Rutherford
Mr RK Chevalier for items 7 and 9
1 Minutes of the previous meeting
1.1 The minutes of the hundred and forty third meeting were discussed. Item 4.1 was amended to read ‘It was therefore agreed that the Board should generally meet every month and would only be cancelled with sufficient justification’. The minutes were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
2 Matters arising.
2.1 Following a discussion on the structure of the minutes it was agreed that they should continue to record the main discussion and conclusions of the meeting and not points attributed to individuals.
2.2 Mrs Rutherford circulated a list of proposed match day visits. Further lists would be circulated regularly. Any press cuttings of interest would be sent electronically for the time being. The contract with our press cuttings provider was due for renewal in February. This would be an appropriate time to review the service provided and whether circulation could be expanded to include Members.
3 Chief Executive’s report (FLA(07)29)
3.1 The Chief Executive had written to DCMS explaining the Board’s wish that, when our role was extended, we should become the Spectator Safety Authority. DCMS considered the name to be inappropriate as it suggested an authority covering all spectators events at sports grounds and other venues. Not only did this go beyond what was being proposed in the Private Member’s Bill, it could also it could be perceived as entering into the territory of the Health and Safety Executive. Any proposed legislation introduced by way of a ‘PMB’ must remain simple and uncontentious. The proposed legislation would merely extend our advisory role to other sports. The Home Office were seeking to get a PMB introduced to amend banning orders. As both this and our amendment affect the Football Spectators Act 1989, both could be included in a single Bill. It should be known shortly whether an MP had agreed to sponsor the proposed Bill.
3.2 The second joint course with the Emergency Planning College had taken place. It had been positively received by all parties attending the course. Working in partnership with the EPC would help to raise the profile of the FLA. Various themes including seminars following the publication of the 5th edition of the Green Guide were being discussed with the College. The Board suggested consideration should be given to developing a course aimed at club Chief Executives and Chairman.
4 Follow up to Ascot meeting – staffing (FLA(07)27)
4.1 The Board approved the proposed staffing strategy.
5 Follow up to Ascot meeting – strategy (FLA(07)30)
5.1 Members would be sent a copy of the letter from the Minister of Sport to the Football Supporters Federation in which he would set out his views on the respective roles for clubs, local authorities and the FLA. Members suggested that we should gather evidence to demonstrate that standing in seated areas was unsafe. It was noted, however, that the Premier League had commissioned research from some experienced consultants which would underlie the risk assessments to be undertaken by the clubs.
6 Mid-year review of performance
6.1 The Board noted the main achievements during the last 6 months, and the paper was accepted subject to small number of agreed amendments.
7 Mid-year financial statement at 31 October 2007 (FLA(07)26)
7.1 The Board accepted the statement.
8 Green Guide – post consultation draft part 1 (FLA(07)31)
8.1 The Board received the first 7 chapters of the 5th edition of the Green Guide. These had taken account of the comments received from the public consultation exercise. The Board suggested the inclusion of appropriate worked examples could assist those using the Guide to better determine P and S factors.
9 Business continuity planning (FLA(07)28)
9.1 The Board approved the business continuity plan. It was agreed the plan would continually be kept under review and revised as necessary.
10 External communications strategy
10.1 The need for a proactive external communications strategy was considered. It was agreed the FLA should have the means to promote itself positively which in turn would negate any bad publicity. It was felt that clarity of message was currently lacking. It was agreed that Miss Carvell and Mr Sears would meet to develop a formal strategy for approval by the Board.
Action: Miss Carvell and Mr Sears to prepare strategy.
11 Attendance of Inspectors at mass gatherings related to non-football events (FLA(07)33)
11.1 DCMS was clearly committed to the expansion of the FLA’s role. However the timing remained uncertain. It was agreed that once the position was clear the organisation, especially the Inspectorate should begin adopting the principles and processes in readiness. Attendance at grounds other than football would
However attendance to these events would fall outside our present remit and could have serious liability implications. At this sensitive time of the negations to secure a PMB, it could be counter productive if it was perceived we were already moving into other sports. It was felt that it would be sensible to wait until formal confirmation from DCMS had been received.
12 Any other business
12.1 No items were raised.
13 Date of the next meeting
13.1 The next meeting would take place on Tuesday 11 December 2007 at 9.30am in Harcourt House.
FLA Secretariat
November 2007
Copyright © The Football Licensing Authority 2007
