The Fire Sector Confederation has officially launched its new Sports Grounds Special Interest (Fire Safety) Group, following a well-attended inaugural meeting involving nearly 40 stakeholders from across the UK’s sports venue landscape.
Chaired by Paul Brunt, fire safety manager at Manchester United Football Club, the group is designed to unite a broad range of participants – including representatives from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA), fire safety officers, equipment suppliers, consultants, local authorities, and venue operators. The objective is to create a collaborative space for sharing expertise and improving fire safety outcomes at sports grounds.
The group’s formation is the result of several months of preparation led by the Confederation’s executive director Steve McGuirk, Paul Brunt, and Tim Burgin of the SGSA.
Steve McGuirk commented: “We’re delighted that this Special Interest Network is now up-and-running, providing a unique platform for professionals with an interest in sports ground safety to join forces and focus on developing guidance, influencing standards and improving communication in order to prevent fires in sports venues.”
He continued: “The work of our Special Interest Networks drives the agenda for the National Fire Safety Strategy Board and the Fire Congress, duly helping to inform and shape policy.”
Reflecting on the group’s launch, Paul Brunt said: “This is an important milestone in our drive to improve fire safety across all sports grounds in the UK and I’m honoured to be the inaugural chair. The initial response has been incredibly positive with enthusiastic participation from football, rugby and cricket clubs right across the country. It’s a unique platform for sharing Best Practice and tackling challenges collaboratively such that we inform the best possible safety standards.”
The group includes representation from a wide spectrum of the sports sector, including Premier League and EFL football clubs, rugby union and league teams, cricket grounds, horseracing venues, as well as industry experts and Government fire safety advisors.
With broad engagement and a clear remit, the Sports Grounds Special Interest (Fire Safety) Group aims to support policy development, elevate standards, and strengthen collaboration across the sports and fire safety sectors.
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