‘Vaccine marshals’ being recruited for stadium roles
SECURITY guards are being recruited to keep the order at Ashton Gate when the mass vaccination programme there begins.
Facilities management firm OCS is advertising vacancies for so-called “vaccine marshals”, whose job role will include dealing with any antisocial behaviour and ensuring people are social distancing.
The stadium, which is home to Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears, is ready to host a huge community Covid-19 vaccination scheme.
Cubicles have been set up with hospital-style screens ready for people to get their jabs, with reconfiguration of space inside to create waiting areas and separate entrances and exits.
A report from health authority Healthier Together had already identified it as a suitable location to operate 12 hours a day, and it now looks likely that this could be between 8am and 8pm.
These are the hours specified in the job advert for the vaccine marshals, who will be paid £9.25 per hour and be expected to work 56 hours per week, with a shift pattern of six days on and three days off.
Applicants must have an SIA licence, which is the official accreditation for people working in the private security industry.
The advert from OCS states: “You will be part of a security team that delivers exceptional quality at the highest standard to the North Bristol NHS Trust on behalf of OCS.
“It is a challenging role that will give you job satisfaction and be part of a dynamic team.”
The job specification details responsibilities, primarily to “ensure the security and safety of the client’s property and personnel”.
It continues: “[You will] act as a first line support to employees and patients to site, providing a professional and friendly service.
“[You will] ensure social distancing rules are being adhered to within the vaccine area.
“You will assist in de-escalating anti-social behaviour incidents if required.”
The vaccine marshals will also be tasked with “monitoring persons entering the facility for adherence to mask requirements”, as well as managing access into the vaccine area.
With the approval of the OxfordAstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine last week, it is possible that the mass vaccination programme at the stadium could launch as early as next week.
Ashton Gate’s managing director Mark Kelly tweeted last week: “Great news that the Oxford vaccine has been approved. @ashtongatestad should be now able to facilitate the Bristol / Southwest hub.”