Security Guard

Job Description:

Security guards check the suitability of people wanting to enter venues like nightclubs; or shared spaces like museums, and look after the safety of the people inside.

Job Category:

Tourism, Hospitality & Entertainment

See Tourism, Hospitality & Entertainment jobs

What you will do:

You’ll decide who to allow into the venue, and stop people entering who you decide are unsuitable. You’ll check customers aren’t underage or carrying illegal substances or objects, like drugs or weapons.

Your day-to-day duties may include:

managing crowds and queues
making sure people keep to the dress code
checking tickets
patrolling inside and outside the venue
watching people’s behaviour and dealing with conflict
restraining and escorting people out of the venue, if necessary
dealing with emergencies
co-operating 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:

patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (leadership skills)
the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
customer service skills for challenging people politely but firmly
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
concentration skills to stay alert and aware of your surroundings

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a security guard, specific GCSE subjects are not typically required. However, certain subjects can provide a foundation for developing the skills and qualities needed for this career. Security guards are responsible for maintaining safety and security in various settings. Here are some relevant GCSE subjects that can be beneficial for becoming a security guard:

Relevant GCSE Subjects

Physical Education (PE): Develops fitness, endurance, and physical abilities, which can be important for patrolling and responding to incidents.
Mathematics: Basic math skills can be useful for tasks like monitoring access, counting visitors, and reporting incidents.
English Language: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effective interaction with colleagues and the public.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using technology for security monitoring, communication, and report writing.

You must be over 18 and hold a Security Industry Authority licence to work as a door supervisor. You will need to pass identity and criminal record checks.

You’ll also need a good level of physical fitness.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Working Hours and Environment:

Your working hours will depend on the opening times of the venue, but will usually include evening and weekend shifts. Part-time work is very common.

You’ll usually work on the door in all weathers and have some duties inside the venue.

You’ll usually wear a uniform.

You may have to work in a noisy environment, like a nightclub.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could progress to team leader or area supervisor.

You could move into other types of security-related work, like retail security.

You could also go on to set up your own agency.