The presence of door supervisors can immediately make an event of venue feel like a safer place. The knowledge that people coming and going will be vetted by a licenced professional can make a big difference in the mindset of the guests and the to the potential for trouble occurring. By verifying guest lists, checking bags, and ensuring that patrons adhere to the venue’s rules, they’re ensuring a safer time for everyone involved. Let’s look at door supervisor responsibilities and the factors you need to consider when hiring them.

The Importance of Door Supervision in Today’s World

Door supervisors are the frontline guardians of safety and order in venues across the UK. They play a huge part in facilitating an atmosphere in which people can have a good time, safe in the knowledge that they’re unlikely to be disturbed by antisocial behaviour or combative individuals. While antisocial behaviour rates seem to be decreasing, the number of people applying for and attaining door supervisor licenses is the highest it has been in 10 years, showing that the demand for their services is higher than ever.

This makes sense when looking at just a few examples of the many places where door supervisors might be required:

• Hotels
• Nightclubs
• Concerts
• Retail stores
• Sporting events
• Theme parks
• Theatres

Even at venues where antisocial behaviour may not be expected or often experienced, there are still benefits to be gained from employing door supervisors.

Key Responsibilities of Door Supervisors

Here are some key door supervisor responsibilities.

Ensuring Safety and Security

Door supervisors are responsible for many actions that contribute towards the safety and security of a venue. Conducting bag searches, checking guest lists, verifying IDs and assessing the demeanour of patrons are preventative measures, necessary to reduce the risk of unwanted or illegal behaviour from occurring within the premises. They should also be familiar with any emergency procedures, such as a venue’s evacuation process.

Conflict Resolution

In the event of disputes or fights between patrons, door supervisors are the first point of call for conflict resolution. Whether this means settling arguments, ejecting disruptive individuals, or liaising with emergency services, they are responsible for the safety of the rest of the guests and staff. They will need to be able to stay calm, practice active listening, and offer solutions, while maintaining professional boundaries. A well-trained door supervisor can prevent a misunderstanding from escalating into a potentially dangerous situation.

Choosing Between Door Supervisor Companies

When hiring door supervisors, it’s important to choose a company that will reflect well on your business. No one wants to be known as the place with ‘bad bouncers’ that don’t encourage a safe environment. Here are some things to look for when comparing door supervisor companies.

Credentials and Training

Firstly, it is illegal to work as a door supervisor without a license issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), so this should be the first thing you confirm. It’s also useful to look for candidates with further specialist training in areas specific to your venue e.g. door supervisors who are versed in spiking awareness for a venue that serves alcohol. They should also be qualified in basic First Aid and Fire Safety.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

When it comes to judging a door supervision company’s customer service, look to recent reviews of their services. Testimonials from former or current clients are a great way to assess whether or not your chosen company will be compatible with your business.

All Time Security: A Trusted Name in Door Supervision

As an SIA approved contractor, we are a security company that is committed to providing the best service possible. All of our staff adhere to and reflect our high standards and are regularly upskilled in their training and qualifications. Take a look at more of the reasons why you should choose us to provide your security.

Door supervisor security is a non-negotiable for any commercial space, but particularly those with late closing times or expensive valuables inside. Yet, no two door supervisors are the same. To handle a role with such great responsibility, it’s important to be selective in who you hire.  

This hiring process doesn’t have to be drawn out or complicated, as long as you are aware of the essential traits of an effective door supervisor – outlined in this article. Here, we provide invaluable insight into what to look for in security personnel.  

Find out more, below. 

Physical Fitness and Presence 

A door supervisor must be in good physical health and is preferably physically fit. Oftentimes, being involved in door supervisor security requires more than verbal conflict resolution, and the ability to manage a situation if a physical confrontation occurs. Simply put, this means they must be able to withstand anti-social behaviour from members of the public. To this end, it also helps if the door supervisor of your choosing has ‘presence,’ meaning that they appear as strong, commanding and powerful to most onlookers.  

Good Observation 

Conflict can occur in an instant, which means door supervisor security should have exceptional observation skills. Noticing minute changes in the environment prepares you for any circumstances, and enables security personnel to prepare for potential trouble with time to spare. This also leads to better risk management and mitigation; the ultimate goal of door supervisor security is preventing problems before they escalate.  

Conflict Resolution Abilities 

Although door security personnel may be required to handle conflicts physically, the more advanced their conflict resolution abilities are, the less likely it is that confrontations will escalate into fights and other dangerous actions. Previous training in conflict management is something to look for here. However, the essential conflict resolution skills you should keep watch for amongst potential hires include: 

• Active listening 
• Empathy 
• Problem-solving 
• Negotiation skills 
• Patience 
• Assertiveness 
• Conflict analysis 

Above all, security personnel should be open-minded, too. There are multiple sides to every conflict, and a big part of conflict resolution is fostering a communicative and respectful environment.  

Crowd Management Expertise 

Large gatherings of people in a commercial setting can soon get out of hand. The trampling of others is a serious concern, as is disorderly conduct. Therefore, crowd management expertise is an essential trait of an effective door supervisor.  

Understanding crowd psychology – how large groups of people react to different situations, and how crowd dynamics work – is a must, as is the ability to co-ordinate crowd management strategy with other security personnel. 

 Crowd management must be a team effort, especially when it comes to maintaining physical barriers and directing people as needed. 

Communication Skills 

Although we’ve mentioned the importance of team work and conflict resolution above, we can’t understate how essential it is that any security personnel you hire have good communication skills. Clear and effective communication can prevent most problems from escalating, and also ensure most conflicts don’t ever occur. When groups are given clear directions on where to go – and in some cases – what behaviours are expected of them, door supervisors need not handle physical or verbal confrontations at all. A positive and welcoming atmosphere is fostered from the outset, which is how door supervisor security should be.  

Customer-Oriented 

What is often forgotten in the field of door supervisor security is that the people security personnel equally protect, screen and guard against are their customers. As a result, door supervisor personnel must have a customer-oriented mindset when dealing with members of the public.  

Door supervisors are the first point of contact for most people entering a commercial establishment, and the impression or atmosphere that supervisors generate can impact public perception of the establishment moving forward. If a potential hire seems polite, approachable and communicative, this points toward a positive and customer-oriented mindset. 

Training and Certification 

Door supervisors must be well-trained and certified, and in some cases, well-equipped with the right gear. For example, All Time Security personnel always have access to radios, protective and high-visibility clothing. These are a reliable marker of a door supervisor that has been thoroughly trained to the latest standards.  

To hire the best of the best, seek out security personnel from a company that has been recently SIA approved – this means that their security services, training policies, health and safety practices and more are all deemed excellent. 

Adaptability and Professionalism 

In many cases, these two qualities – adaptability and professionalism – go hand-in-hand for a door supervisor. When involved in door supervisor security, you must be able to adapt to changing situations, unexpected events and misconduct without breaking a sweat.  

Other customers in a commercial space depend on door supervisors to keep them safe and calm whatever the situation, and decisions on how to handle a set of circumstances can only be made if you work well under pressure. Maintaining composure is – and always will be – an essential trait of an effective door supervisor. 

In the same way, being able to maintain a steady composure under pressure also demonstrates a security personnel’s level of professionalism and experience on the job. When you hire an employee that directly interacts with your customers, their professionalism dictates how professional your establishment will be perceived. That is to say, the more respectful and trustworthy your security personnel, the more your business will benefit. 

Knowledge of Local Laws and Regulations 

Finally, though we’ve covered the basis of training and certification as essential traits of an effective door supervisor, there’s one more quality that establishments often overlook during interviews – the supervisor’s knowledge of local laws and regulations.  

Meaning that, if conflict arises, can your door supervisor liaise well with local police officers and other law enforcement? Security personnel must behave appropriately and in accordance with the law at all times.  

Moreover, knowledge of local regulations also extends to the independent security protocols and emergency procedures of your business – any personnel you hire must be willing to learn these procedures inside and out. 

Tending to every guest on your wedding list is impossible, especially if we’re discussing a big wedding. An average British couple spends around $19,200 on their wedding. Hiring security services will help you enjoy your big day and reduce stress or worry.

Read on to learn the importance of hiring professional door supervision on your special day.

Benefits of Door Supervisions for Outdoor Weddings and Events

Here are some of the main benefits of having door supervision on your wedding day. 

Get Rid of Wedding Crashers

When it comes to big weddings, you never know who could show up at your venue. Wedding crashers can easily go unnoticed. But this can also happen even with an exclusive guest list. You might have to confront extra guests at your wedding and even create bad blood with some attendees. But thankfully, a door supervision service handles these kinds of issues with minimal to no fuss. . 

Control Unplanned Crowds and Mess

The presence of alcohol can trigger unplanned situations. We’ve all been there – your best buds begin to quarrel, your parents send unfriendly glances at the servers, and guests get wasted and lose control. Instead of running around making peace among the crowds, you can hire professional security to ease the tension and ensure a smooth wedding celebration. 

Assist the Wedding Ceremony

Door supervisors work around your event schedule. They are here to smoothen the flaws, including assisting the personnel and guests with whatever they need, from hanging coats to pointing them to the right venue. With door supervision, you get to enjoy a stress-free wedding day. 

Prevent Unwanted Pictures

Potential wedding crashers and strangers (especially with outdoor celebrations) can find their way to your wedding photos. They might even upload pictures of your big day online. Door supervisors can help remind guests to limit phone usage and ensure your privacy.

Ease Your Mind

All of the above mentioned issues instantly add 100% pressure on your already-tense schedule. We all want perfection, especially on our wedding day, and don’t care to worry about what might go wrong. To ensure everything runs smoothly and hassle-free, hire door supervision services to keep an eye on potential issues. This way, you can focus on enjoying your day.

Hire the Best Wedding Day Door Supervision Service 

Find the ultimate door supervision service at All Time Security.

For your special day, we offer SIA-licensed and approved professional personnel that are highly skilled and equipped to ensure maximum safety and security on your special day.
We serve clients anywhere in the UK. To learn more about our services, give us a call today.

What makes an effective door supervisor?

Many people are under the misconception that Door supervisors are used just for pubs and night clubs but the fact is that the security industry has changed dramatically over the years.

Door supervisors are used for a variety of other events. This includes private parties and functions.

Door supervisors are trained and qualified with numerous skills in how not deal with different situations. Security guards are trained in crowd control and ensure that they keep within the maximum capacity of the venue.

This is especially important when venues have restricted capacity. Some venues risk losing their license when the maximum capacity is exceeded. Door supervisors are trained to follow a one out one in procedure. This will make sure that people have the opportunity to enter the venue when others leave giving them the chance to enjoy the venue without compromising the venue’s capacity restrictions.

Door supervisors are also trained to monitor and check people wanting to enter the venue – this includes checking people’s ID to ensure that they or the legal age to enter the venue. If the venue has an age restriction of 18, door supervisors will ask to see appropriate and acceptable ID to make sure that people under the age of 18 are not permitted entrance.

Venues are at risk of losing their license to operate if people under the legal age enter the venue. This is why venues and event organisers rely heavily on door supervisors to be vigilant and check everyone they deem to be underage.

Age is not the only thing door supervisors look out for. They also look out for people who are intoxicated or are considered a threat to the venue and the people inside. They will not allow anyone they consider to be a danger to the people inside.

Door supervisors are trained and skilled in carrying out searches, looking for illegal substances including drugs and offensive weapons. They will confiscate items that are not permitted into the venue and will report their finding to the authorities where required.

It’s not news that venues, especially when there will be large crowds, instruct a professional security services provider to provide a door supervision service. But there are a few ways to ensure that you get the best from your door supervision services.

Experience

One of the great things about using a professional security services provider is that the door supervisors that they will send will be SIA qualified guards who have experience in providing security at events.

This means that they will be used to protecting visitors and staff as well as keeping the venue safe and secure.

The dress code

Professionally trained door supervisors always attend the venue in the right attire. They will ensure that what they are wearing suits you venue and your venues ethos. They will be dressed to impress.

Equipment

Door supervisors, as well as possessing the right skills to carry out their job properly, come equipped with all the necessary tools to do their role effectively.

This includes any protective clothing and footwear, high visibility and water-resistant clothing. Various radio and communication equipment, safety helmets, if required.

Communication devices are incredibly important in emergency and high-risk situations.

The great thing about the deployment of professional security guards from an approved security service provider is that they have direct links to control rooms and the Police. This means that they have easy and quick access to additional support when needed. Additional security personnel or emergency services.

Crowd control

Crowd control is a broad term but in the instance of securing and keeping premises safe, it can be specified as controlling how many people are permitted to enter a premises, ensure people are not entering restricted areas and people are kept safe.

When a venue has reached maximum capacity, guards will be using counting devices to ensure that people are let in on a 1 in and 1 out basis. This will give people the opportunity to enter without exceeding the specified limit of people allowed in at one time.  

Fire safety

Door supervisors are also trained to keep fire exits clear and accessible. They will also be aware of the locations of all the venue’s fire exits along with the venue’s fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures. They are skilled in coordinating staff to the nearest fire exits and directing people safely to the venue’s fire assembly points.

First Aid

Another great thing about professional door supervisors is that they first aid trained. This is incredibly helpful and can even be life-saving in the event of injuries and accidents.   

Before we can determine whether having door supervisors is a thing of the past, we need to understand what door supervisors are and what they do.

So what is a Door Supervisor and why do we need them? A Door Supervisor as an SIA qualified security professional who is deployed to various different venues to secure events and functions.

They have undergone professional security training and have successfully passed the SIA exam – thus proving that they have the knowledge and skill to help provide a controlled and safe environment for people.

This level of security is particularly important when securing and managing events that will have crowds of people attending, like parties and other functions. Door Supervisors are skilled in managing access control and crowd management. This means that they will ensure that they will monitor the levels of people present to ensure venues do not exceed their maximum capacity.

The security staff are trained in conflict resolution and are capable of handling various types of situations. This is especially important in venues where there are large crowds of people. 

Why is this important?

This is incredibly important as most venues that have maximum capacity limitations can lose their licence if they do not adhere to the correct numbers.

Door supervisors are also trained to search people and bags for any illegal substances that may jeopardise the safety and security of visitors and staff present at the venue.

Dressed to Impress

Security providers that deploy professional Door Supervisors understand that venues have a specific image that they want to portray – this is why they ensure that security staff are dressed in accordance with your company image.

Security Door Supervisors are usually the first to been seen by guests – this why professional security are trained to be punctual, polite and in the right clothing.

They are also briefed on the venue processes, procedures and policies, so that they know who is permitted to enter, number of allowed entries. They will also be familiar with fire exits and fire procedures. They will know about specific parking and generally where things are. This becomes beneficial for the venue as they can help direct guests to where they need to go. 

In conclusion, it is safe to say that Door Supervisors have many benefits and skills that are vital to manage and secure venues and functions. They are very much needed if you want a smooth running event. 

Depending on the type of business you own, there may be instances where you need to hire Door Supervisors to work alongside your employees. Whether you own a retail premises, restaurant, nightclub, bar, or office, you may feel more at ease by hiring door supervisors and security guards in order to keep your premises secure. Whether you wish to protect your premises during its opening hours or closed hours, it’s important that you hire trained security professionals with an SIA license, unless your business has been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

What is the Private Security Industry Act (2001)?

The Private Security Industry Act (2001) a system for the statutory regulation of the private security industry. It became a non-departmental body in 2003, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the statutory organisation responsible for regulating the UK’s private industry sector. They must report to Home Secretary under the Private Security Industry Act (2001).

The benefits of hiring Door Supervisors

• They are fully trained in conflict management.
• They have customer service and communication skills.
• They have a wealth of security experience.
• You have control over who enters your premises.
• People using your business will feel safe.
• They are professional.

How do I know if my business or event needs door staff?

Bouncers and door supervisors can be employed to work solely ‘on the door’, patrol  around premises or to do both. Your door supervisors can be plain clothed, or wear a uniform. You should consider hiring door security if:

• If you’re licensed to sell alcohol.
• If you’ve experienced shoplifting.
• If staff members feel unsafe whilst at work.
• If there is an increased risk of violence or fighting at your business premises.

Depending on the nature of your business dictates how many door staff security you hire. If you find that customers get quite rowdy, you may require extra bouncers to help monitor the atmosphere. Pubs and nightclubs require door security to check that patrons are of age before they enter the premises. A quieter premises, such as a jewellery shop with valuable items may only need one Manned Guarding Security and one bouncer. If you are planning an event such as a concert or festival for your business, then you should hire event security to make sure that all areas are covered, meaning the event will run safely and smoothly. We are able to offer our services to be tailored to the type of event you are running, and also the amount of people you believe are going to be in attendance.

How many exits and entrances does your business premises have?

If you think your business needs bouncers, you should think about how many entrances and exits are on the premises. Restaurants, pubs clubs and restaurants that need licensed door security should ideally have two  professionals stationed at each entrance or exit during opening hours, so that there’s complete control over the footfall and they can keep an eye on who is entering and exiting the premises.

How big is your business premises?

Depending on the size of the premises will dictate the number of door staff you require. If you have a large premises, you will need a bigger security team of both door staff and guards patrolling the area so that it remains secure and safe.

Get in touch with All Time Security to sort out your business’s security needs today.

With growing risks for venues, events, retailers and even security guards themselves, security companies like All Time Security have a put robust measures in place. One of these measures is having access to a central control room.

What is a Security Control Room?

A control room is a 24 hour, 7 day-a-week extra support for venues and security guards.

The control room can constantly monitor locations of all the deployed security guards, knowing exactly where they are.

How does it function?

The control room facilitates for addition support and advice for managers and security guards. If a situation arises, the control room can be called directly at any time. The control room manager can then assess the situation and offer additional support if necessary.

The control room also has a direct link to the Police station for added support.

This is the first point of call when in need of resources and equipment:

• Additional radio equipment
• Protective or high visibility clothing
• Supplementary guards
• Quick notice guards
• Mobile security and vehicles

All managers and team leaders have direct access to the control room.

If you require a security company that has a great security team and a resource full control room, then contact All Time Security on: 03330050945