Page contents
- General Information
- How to apply and applications forms
- What if I have any queries, concerns or complaints?
General Information
Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 & Safety at Sports Ground Act 1975
Currently enforcement of the Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 & Safety at Sports Ground Act 1975 has been delegated to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), to act as by definition the "Council".
This role requires the formulation of a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) consisting of Fire and Rescue , Police, Ambulance, Local Authority Building Control, Environmental Health and representatives of the stadia/stand requiring certification, generally the Safety Officer and Certificate Holder.
The role of the SAG is to advise, and check compliance with the guidance outlined in the "Green Guide". SFRS has the responsibility, through delegation from Surrey County Council, for enforcement and general administration involving Sports Ground certification. Enforcement regulation may include formal action through reduced capacities to Regulated Stands, of those holders not able to meet the required level of safety.
Currently there are thirteen Regulated Stands in Surrey covering ten different venues as determined by the Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987.
Keith Nicholas, who acts as the Fire Safety/Sports Ground Co-ordinator for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, undertakes this role, with support from Ian Goodman at Surrey County Council who acts as the SAG chair.
In addition to administering the Sports Ground legislation he will also inspect and enforce the fire regulations where required and deal with all building regulations consultations in regards to alterations of existing stands or new build.
The SAG meet for each site annually at which time the "chair" would collate responses from all members of the group as to their specific area of interest/expertise, this together with at least one "during performance" inspection within the year and an audit carried out by the chair enables a decision to be made on the review of the certificate.
All guidance in administering the above legislation makes recommendations on the appointment of a secretariat. This work is jointly undertaken by the centralised SFRS Business Support Team at Service headquarters, and the Sports Ground Co-ordinator. It includes tasks such as the production of minutes, letters, reports and compilation of new and amended safety certificates. The issue of completed certificates must by law be advertised and all reasonable costs recovered, which the Business Support Team administers.
How to apply and applications forms
What are the terms and conditions?
Please refer to 'Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds' sometimes referred to as the Green Guide which is produced by the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
How do I apply for a licence?
Please complete the application form attached below. Please send completed application forms to -
Care of: The Safety at Sports Ground Officer Fire Safety Team, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Woodhatch, Reigate RH2 8EF
How much does the licence cost?
The cost of a licence is calculated on a case by case, cost recovery basis as charges vary depending on the nature and complexity of the structure to be licensed and works undertaken.
What documentation is required?
A separate application form is required for each regulated stand to be licensed along with a scale plan of the sports ground and prospective regulated stand. Reference to other documents that may be required are contained within the application form..
When will a licence be issued and how long is it valid for?
Once issued the premises will be subject to an annual inspection regime. There is no time limit for a licence to remain in force for.
What if I have any queries, concerns or complaints?
- Telephone: 01737 242444
- E-mail: sfrs.firesafety@surreycc.gov.uk
