Charlene Oliver (Health and Safety Advisor)

What was your very first role at our club and what attracted you to working here in the first place?

I have always loved football and sports from a young age. My first role here was as a Matchday Steward while I was studying for my Stadium and Event Management degree. The onboarding experience as a Steward attracted me to the club; I felt valued in the role and part of a team. I have a passion for Event Safety, and completing the Stewarding role and training at Arsenal developed this even more.

Can you talk us through your journey from Casual Matchday Steward to Health and Safety Advisor?

Whilst working as a Matchday Steward, I was studying for my degree. Once I graduated, I wanted to go straight into full-time employment at a stadium, so I applied for a Tour & Museum Coordinator role at the Emirates Stadium. That position gave me a completely different perspective of the club. I interacted with supporters and visitors from all over the world on a daily basis, helping to deliver a positive fan experience while also coordinating operational aspects of tours and museum activities. It strengthened my organisational skills, customer service experience, and ability to manage multiple priorities at once.

I was always interested in exploring opportunities to further utilise my degree in Stadium and Event Management. This led me to apply for a new role within the club, Health and Safety Coordinator. I met with the Health and Safety Manager at the time, who provided me with an insight into the role and what was involved.

I'm thrilled to say I was successful in the process, and I soon started seeking opportunities to learn more about Health and Safety at the club, speaking with colleagues, taking an interest in the safety management of operations, and gaining additional Health and Safety qualifications. I'm proud to have since progressed to Advisor level, and I now play a more proactive role in supporting occupational health and safety across the club and promoting a positive safety culture.

Looking back, one of the biggest things that shaped my journey was being open to learning and taking opportunities as they came up. I wasn't afraid to try something out of my comfort zone. Starting in a Casual matchday role taught me that progression doesn't always happen in a straight line. Each role gave me transferable skills, broader experience, and new relationships, which helped me to develop.

What skills did you develop while working as Casual Matchday Steward that helped you progress?

Working as a Steward helped me further develop my confidence in working with people, understanding crowd management, and learning the importance of safety, communication, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. It also allowed me to meet people across different departments and understand how the wider operation worked. That exposure encouraged me to think about my long-term development within the club and explore internal opportunities at Arsenal.

What makes our club a good place to build a long-term career?

The ability to grow, feel supported, and see a pathway for development, and that's something I've experienced throughout my time at Arsenal.

One of the biggest reasons I've stayed at the club is the culture and the people. From my very first role as a Casual Matchday Steward, I always felt part of something bigger. There's a real sense of pride that comes with working with Arsenal, not just because of the history and what happens on the pitch, but because of the people behind the scenes who all contribute towards the same goal.

Being able to gain experience across different departments has helped me continuously learn new skills and broaden my understanding of how the club operates.

What would you say to someone starting out as a Casual today?

Treat it as much more than 'just a casual job.' It's a real opportunity to build skills, confidence, and relationships that can open doors later.

The best thing you can do is show up with a positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm. Be reliable, be on time, and be willing to jump in wherever needed.

Make the most of every shift by building relationships with the people around you. Get to know your teammates, learn from their experience, and take opportunities to shadow others or see how different parts of the club operate. Often, the more curious and proactive you are, the more opportunities come your way.

Casual roles can be a really valuable first step. A lot of long-term careers start with someone simply showing up, working hard, and making a great impression. Stay curious and make the most of each shift; you'll build skills and experiences that can take you much further than you might expect.