Door supervisor
Door supervisors guard licensed premises like pubs, bars and nightclubs against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a door supervisor, you could:
- manage crowds and queues
- check tickets, search bags and screen people on entry
- respond to security incidents and emergencies
- make sure people are safe
- patrol inside and outside the venue or event
- watch people's behaviour and be alert to potential conflicts
- physically intervene and escort people from a venue, if necessary
- work closely with the police, first aiders and venue managers
Working environment
You could work in a pub or bar, at events, at a sports arena or at a music venue.
Your working environment may be crowded, noisy and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to team leader or area supervisor.
As a door supervisor, you can also work in non-licensed venues as a security guard, for example in an office building, shopping centre or on CCTV surveillance.
You might also go on to set up your own private security agency.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a Security Industry Authority licence
- be over 18 years of age
- pass enhanced background checks
The SIA will make identity and criminal record checks to decide if you're a suitable person to hold a licence.
Read SIA information on applying for a licence when you have a criminal record.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- a course with a commercial training provider
You can apply for a Professional Security Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a security company, to get into this role.
This takes around 1 year to complete and includes on-the-job training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
To work as a door supervisor you will need a frontline licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Before you can apply for a licence, you must complete an SIA licence-linked qualification. This is the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry.
You will also need an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent. These courses are widely available through local colleges and with organisations like St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross.
Some training providers may combine the first aid course and the Level 2 Award. For others, you may need evidence that you have completed a first aid course before you start your licence-linked training.
You can search for approved training providers that offer courses leading to licence-linked qualifications.
Registration
- you'll need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for agency and contractor jobs
Career tips
You will need to renew your SIA licence every 3 years.
You may need to do refresher training before you can renew your licence. This depends on the date you did your original door supervisor course and what the course covered. Check to find out if you need refresher training.
If it has been longer than 3 years since you last held a door supervisor licence, you will also need to complete a recognised first aid training course before your licence can be renewed.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the International Professional Security Association for recognition, training opportunities and the chance to make industry contacts.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.