Safety professional Darren Bedson has been co-opted on to the Management Board of the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) and as Chair of the organisations West Midlands region, giving Port Vale a seat at the top table.

Darren is a deputy safety officer at Vale Park and is a regular presence at the stadium on match days.

The club’s safety and security officer John Rutherford nominated Darren for the role at the annual general meeting of the FSOA which was held at Vale Park.

“It’s fantastic to get involved at Management Board level for the FSOA and I’m honoured that John put my name forward,” said Darren. “I’ve worked as a safety practitioner for more than 20-years and got involved at Port Vale, the club I support, in 2018. I’m now looking forward to getting involved in supporting the FSOA across the UK and, in particular, working  with all the clubs in the West Midlands.

“My role at Port Vale is part time and involves attending planning meetings and helping to run safety operations on match days. I am also deputy safety manager at Macclesfield Town when called on.”

Darren uses his vast experience as a safety professional to help keep football supporters safe.  Day to day, he heads a team of health and safety consultants working with companies across the UK.

He’s a Chartered Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the highest industry sector qualification, and supports up and coming professionals as a mentor for the organisation.

John Rutherford said: “I was pleased to nominate Darren  to be co-opted on to the FSOA Management Board. He’s a professional at the top of his game and we love to have him with us at Vale Park.”

ENDS

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