A Moment of Reflection at Hillsborough
Standing on Leppings Lane at the rear of Hillsborough Stadium on a cold autumn evening, surrounded by Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall fans, I couldn’t help but pause for a moment. As a newly appointed Head of Stadium Safety and Security, I found myself asking: how did I end up here? After 32 years in the military and policing, equipped with a wealth of skills and experience, life had taken me in a direction I hadn’t originally imagined.
Turning Experience into Qualifications
As my police service drew to a close, I realised I was too young to simply retire. I needed to consolidate decades of practical experience into formal qualifications that would carry weight in the world beyond policing. The first step was to translate my leadership experience as a Chief Inspector into an academic qualification, something that demonstrated a deep understanding of leadership and management, not just in practice but in theory too. I enrolled in the Senior Police Leadership Programme, an intensive 12 month course combining residential and distance learning, covering every aspect of senior leadership. The programme offered an optional opportunity to complete a Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management and Leadership, and I seized it.
Supporting Others Through Mentoring and Training
At the same time, I was mentoring newly qualified Silver and Bronze Public Order Commanders, supporting their development as they stepped into demanding operational roles. This mentoring experience led naturally to a second formal qualification: an Assessor in the Workplace certification, allowing me to formally evaluate and guide others in their professional growth. My final qualification before hanging up the uniform was an Award in Education and Training, an important step that cemented my passion for developing others and sharing the lessons learned from a lifetime of leadership and service.
Preparing for Life Beyond Policing
As my retirement date drew closer, I began exploring what might come next. After more than three decades in uniform, the idea of stepping into something completely new was both exciting and daunting. One piece of advice I’d give to anyone approaching the end of a police career is this, never underestimate the power of your network. Over the years, you build connections, friends and colleagues you’ve worked alongside in challenging situations, and many go on to roles in the private sector. They know what you’re capable of and often they are the ones who can open doors or point you in the right direction.
The Opportunity That Changed Everything
That’s exactly what happened to me. A former colleague who had moved into a role with the English Football League (EFL) reached out. Knowing my background in public order command, he asked if I could help with an issue at Sheffield Wednesday FC following an incident at the ground the previous season. I didn’t realise it at the time, but that call would mark the start of a completely new chapter in my professional journey.
Stepping into Stadium Safety and Security
Following my initial consultation, SWFC offered me the role of Head of Stadium Safety and Security. After careful consideration, I accepted. It was a challenging role, involving regular contact with the Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Police. Part of my responsibilities was to build trust and positive relationships between all stakeholders while developing a robust matchday plan. This was a fantastic opportunity to use my skills and experience from policing and public order command to generate new knowledge and credibility within the sports sector. Naturally, I also further developed my expertise by completing a Diploma in Spectator Safety Management, formalising my qualifications as a Stadium Safety Manager.
Finding Value in Transferable Skills
Reflecting on my journey at Millwall FC and Leppings Lane, I’ve observed how colleagues transition into the private sector in different ways. Some seek work far removed from anything they did in policing, while others find that leveraging their skills and experience brings the greatest value and satisfaction. I fall into the latter category. I enjoyed keeping people safe as a police commander, and working in the sports and security sector allows me to continue doing exactly that, supporting and protecting our communities.
Why Sport and Events Matter So Much
Sport and major events hold a unique place in British culture, bringing communities together and creating a shared sense of identity and pride. From local matches that unite entire neighbourhoods to national events that capture the attention of millions, sport and events in the UK reflect values such as teamwork, fairness, and resilience. Annual traditions like the FA Cup Final, Wimbledon, and The Grand National are more than competitions, they are cultural milestones that shape the rhythm of the nation’s year. Beyond sport, festivals such as Glastonbury, the Edinburgh Fringe, and Notting Hill Carnival celebrate creativity, diversity, and shared experiences, fostering social connection and national spirit. These events also have a significant economic impact, generating jobs, tourism, and investment while promoting community cohesion and civic pride. Whether on the terraces, at a festival, or watching from home, the British public’s passion for sport and events represents something far greater than entertainment.
The People Behind Safe and Successful Events
Throughout my career, I’ve also learned that these events only happen because of the people working behind the scenes. Private security teams, event managers, stewards, and countless volunteers dedicate themselves to keeping people safe, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience without risk. Security teams manage crowds and respond to incidents, event managers coordinate logistics and emergency plans, and stewards guide and support attendees throughout. I’ve seen firsthand how much skill, patience, and care goes into making events run smoothly, and I’ve come to appreciate that without these roles, the energy, excitement, and sense of community we associate with British sport and events simply wouldn’t exist.
Continuing the Journey with New Opportunities
My journey in the private sector moved on from SWFC with a spell at the ECB, looking after the safety and security of international cricket teams and supporting the introduction of the new Hundred competition. Eventually, I found a home with FGH Security. The experiences and opportunities I’ve had with FGH are so extensive that they will need to be the subject of a whole new blog altogether.