Door Supervisor
Job Description:Door supervisors guard licensed premises like pubs, bars and nightclubs against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- manage crowds and queues
- make sure people keep to the dress code
- check tickets
- patrol inside and outside the venue
- watch people’s behaviour and deal with conflict
- physically intervene and escort people out of the venue, if necessary
- deal with emergencies
- co-operate with police, first aiders and management
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Door Supervisor, you don’t typically need specific GCSE (or equivalent) subjects, but having a good general education can be beneficial for the role. Door Supervisors are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of patrons at venues such as bars, clubs, and events. Here are some subjects that can be helpful:
- English Language: Effective communication skills are essential for interacting with patrons and colleagues, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a safe environment.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills can be useful for tasks such as counting patrons, handling payments, and assessing crowd sizes.
- Physical Education (optional): Physical fitness is important for Door Supervisors, as they may need to handle physical altercations or emergencies.
While specific subjects are not mandatory, having strong communication skills, numeracy skills, and physical fitness can be advantageous for a career as a Door Supervisor.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- a specialist training course
Apprenticeship
You can apply for a Professional Security Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to get into this role.
This takes a minimum of one year to complete.
Other Routes
To work as a door supervisor you will need a front line licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
To apply for a front line licence you must have completed an SIA ‘licence-linked’ qualification. Currently this is the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry.
Before you take your licence-linked qualification you must also do an Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent course.
Some training providers offer courses that combine the first aid and the level 2 door supervisor award. For others you may need evidence that you have completed the first aid course before you start your licence-linked training.
You can search for approved training providers that offer training leading to licence-linked qualifications.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 33 to 35 hours a week, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
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 & 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 or shopping mall or on CCTV surveillance.
You could also go on to set up your own private security agency.