West Ham United’s Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) enjoyed a hugely positive end of season meeting at London Stadium on Wednesday evening.
As part of the continued commitment to improving the overall supporter experience for West Ham United fans, both on matchdays at London Stadium and in general, SAB members - representing different sections of the Club’s large and diverse fanbase - met to reflect on the Club’s historic first season at our new home and look forward to a positive and exciting future.
The meeting was chaired by Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Tara Warren, who thanked members for their effort and devotion to the SAB, and for their positive contribution and feedback that had helped the Club to make such great strides over the course of the campaign.
Also present on the main panel representing West Ham United were Director of Operations Steve Gotkine, Head of Ticketing Nicola Keye, Disability Access Officer Julie Pidgeon, Head of Concessions Nick Kendall and Supporter Services Manager Jake Heath, while LS185 Head of Commercial Michael Temple was also present to answer questions.
During the two-hour meeting, a range of subjects were discussed including; accessibility and the successful launch of the Disabled Supporters Advisory Board, stewarding and matchday operations, stadium security, ticketing, routes to and from London Stadium and public transport links.
Much of the meeting reflected on the magnificent work of both West Ham United supporters and staff to resolve some of the issues identified early last season, with several positive initiatives and actions completed since the SAB first met back in January.
These included the creation of the DSAB and its successful first meeting, increasing the number of radar locks on accessible toilets, balancing the ratio of male/female toilets, minimising queues and waiting times for the Accessible Shuttle Bus service, assisting Green Street traders in moving to London Stadium, easing congestion at turnstiles, revising the searching process for women and children, a wide number of improvements to the stewarding operation, and the continued expansion of the matchday SLO initiative.
Stewarding was a particularly popular discussion, with many members acknowledging the clear and ongoing improvement over the course of the season, thanks to a range of measures, including stewards being addressed by the club on the history, heritage and traditions of the Club and its supporters, club crests being added to steward uniform, and the Supporter Services team and SLOs working closely with LS185 to create an environment of unity and positivity.
Looking ahead to next season, Tara Warren emphasised the Club’s constant commitment to improving the supporter experience, with a joint initiative planned with LS185 to implement a new stewarding strategy and provide further training and education for stewards on West Ham United and its supporters.
There is also a desire for the SAB to evolve into an even more representative body, with new members invited to apply based on their representation of larger sections of our diverse fanbase, in order to set an agenda of the absolutely key issues that can benefit as many West Ham United supporters as possible.
The Club will be actively inviting new applicants for the 2017/18 SAB. Members representing large groups, such as WHUISA, Pride of Irons, Bondholders, DSAB and large online communities will remain, but we are seeking new members who represent large members of the fanbase, including youth (under 25), seniors (over 65), women, families, Club London members and 1966 Season Ticket holders.
Details of how to apply will be announced on whufc.com over the summer, but if you can demonstrate that you represent a wide section of the fanbase and would like to register your interest or simply find out more, please get in touch via [email protected]
The minutes of Wednesday night’s meeting can be found here