A KIDDERMINSTER training provider has appointed an industry expert to help lead its new crowd safety division.

Professor Keith Still, a crowd science and risk analysis specialist, has joined Church Street-based eResponse Recruitment and will develop the training side of the firm’s newly launched department alongside head, Andy Hollinson.

The new department is dedicated solely to crowd safety management - including a bespoke consultancy service - and will also offer a variety of recognised qualifications.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Mr Still has advised event organisers on a host of high profile occasions including the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Sydney and London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

During his career he has advised the Saudi Arabian government, worked with UK government departments, and Manchester City and Manchester United football clubs.

Mr Still: “I have been fortunate to be involved in crowd safety management for events across the world for the past 25 years.

“Now as part of the team at eResponse I am keen to pass that knowledge and experience on to clients in a whole host of different industries.

“It’s an exciting time for the firm and with Andy, I look forward to playing my part in developing and driving forward the new division.”

The 55-year-old lecturer, who is also the Professor of Crowd Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, will now be in charge of delivering training for eResponse’s clients on a variety of safety-related topics.

Paul Alekna, managing director of eResponse, said: “Crowd safety at any event is of huge importance and the new department will play a vital role in all crowd-related advice and training.

“To have someone like Keith working in the new team is fantastic and a big coup for us.

“He has exceptional credentials in the industry and with Andy, we have two people who can deliver first class training and advice on all aspects of event safety and security.

“Together they are already making a great contribution and are giving clients the essential skills for managing major events.

“Adding Keith to the team really does take the new department to a different level.”

As part of eResponse’s new crowd safety division a dedicated website has been developed. For more information visit crowdsafetytraining.com