The UK’s first ever Certificate in Stage Barrier Signing Off Competency of its kind has been launched at Buckinghamshire New University.

The UK’s first ever Certificate in Stage Barrier Signing Off Competency of its kind has been launched at Buckinghamshire New University.

The Certificate is delivered as a one-day workshop and is aimed at event industry professionals whose work requires an understanding of the complex safety issues that underpin stage barrier technology.

The Certificate was launched by Jim Gaffney, Managing Director (UK) of the world largest crowd barrier company, Mojo Barriers. Gaffney, who has a wealth of experience to offer students, delivered the inaugural workshop at Bucks New University, which included formal lectures interspersed with discussion sessions and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.

The launch of the new qualification was supported and attended by leading industry figures from Live Nation, Wembley National Stadium, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Olympia Exhibition Centre and Alistage.

"The introduction of a certificate that will enable crowd safety practitioners and local authority officers to establish the integrity and fit-for-purpose use of a front of stage barrier system is long overdue. The fact that the Bucks New University course is delivered by Mojo, the most experienced barrier supplier in the industry, ensures that the information provided is both practical and a step forward in crowd safety planning."
Dr Mick Upton, from the International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies

The new qualification is the latest to originate from the MOJO Barriers Education & Training Centre, which was launched by Bucks New University, MOJO Barriers and The International Centre for Crowd Management & Security Studies in December 2007. Now into its second year, the Centre has been successful in many areas, and is known within the events industry as a leading centre for barrier training within the educational sector.

“By working through the many possible issues which can arise with signing off stage barriers, the learners, who are all working in the events industry, should become better informed and more confident when it comes to decision-making on site.”
Owen Grainger-Jones, Senior Lecturer Crowd Safety Management

For further information about the Certificate, please contact Owen Grainger-Jones, Senior Lecturer Crowd Safety Management at Bucks New University, on email: owen.grainger-jones@bucks.ac.uk

Buckinghamshire New University is the only state-funded higher education institution in Buckinghamshire. It has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893.

The University offers an extensive portfolio of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and sub-degree level. It also offers services to industry including contract research, consultancy and the opportunity to employ graduates. The University's faculties are aligned to employment markets: creative and cultural industries; the management and information management sectors; and the public sector.