Door Supervisor
What is the work like?
Door supervisors, sometimes known as door stewards or bouncers, are responsible for the security of customers and staff in pubs, bars, nightclubs (and other licensed premises) and public events. They keep order and make sure that people are safe.
As a door supervisor, one of your main duties would be to check the suitability of people coming into the venue. This could include checking that the person is not underage or carrying any harmful substances or objects, such as drugs or weapons. You would take responsibility for refusing entry to anyone you considered unacceptable.
Your duties could also include:
- managing crowds to avoid crushing and queue jumping
- collecting tickets from people coming in
- 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
- supervising people as they leave the building
- co-operating with the police, first aiders and management.
You would often work within a team of two or more, depending on the size of the venue, and use radio equipment to keep in contact with each other.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work as a door supervisor in England and Wales, you need an SIA licence. Before you can apply for a licence, you must be aged 18 or over and have a Level 2 National Certificate in Door Supervision (you do not need any academic qualifications to get onto this course).
The Level 2 Door Supervision course takes 30 hours, and can be studied on a part-time basis over a few evenings or weekends, or as an intensive four-day full-time course. During the course you will cover two main sections:
- the role and responsibilities of a door supervisor
- communication skills and conflict management.
You will take an exam on each section and when you have passed the course, you will be issued with a door supervisor licence.
Check the SIA website for a list of approved qualifications, awarding bodies and training providers. You can also apply for the licence online (when you submit an application, you must agree to a Criminal Records Bureau check).
Some employers will take you on as a trainee door supervisor and support you through the training and licensing process.
If you already have a door supervisor qualification (such as those awarded by Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO), the National Open College Network (NOCN) or the British Institute of Innkeeping (BIIAB)), check the SIA website because this may count towards the new certificate.
What further training and development can I do?
As a door supervisor, you will need to renew your SIA licence every three years. You do not need to complete additional training or qualifications in order to be re-licensed.
You could go on to take further training courses in areas such as first aid, or physical intervention. Courses may be offered by a range of private providers and colleges.
Where can I go for more information?
Security HouseBarbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Door supervisors are often paid on an hourly basis, which can range from around £7 to £12 an hour; some earn more, depending on the venue and location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would depend on the opening times of the venue, but would usually include evening and weekend shifts. Part-time work is very common.
Your working environment could vary depending on your employer, but you are likely to work on the door in all weathers and have some duties inside the venue (which may be very noisy). You will usually wear a uniform or a jacket with a highly visible security badge.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good level of physical fitness
- the ability to make decisions quickly
- good customer service skills
- knowledge of health and safety regulations and licensing laws
- good powers of observation
- strong communication skills
- the ability to defuse potentially violent situations.
What opportunities are there?
Jobs may be advertised in the local press and through Jobcentre Plus, or you could approach employers and venues (such as pubs and nightclubs) directly to ask about work. You may also find opportunities through recruitment agencies.
With experience, you could progress to team leader or area supervisor (if you work for a large venue or security company). Alternatively, you could move into other types of security-related work, for example retail security (see Security Officer and Store Detective profiles). You could also go on to set up your own agency providing venues with door staff.
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