Is your event security more spectator and less safety
Choosing the right security team for your event is about more than just finding the strongest guards or the most stringent measures. It’s about understanding the demographic of your attendees and ensuring that your security team can effectively interact and allow visitors to fully participate in the event safely and securely
In today’s diverse and ever-evolving event landscape, the demographic alignment between security personnel and visitors isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.
Understanding the Importance of Demographic Matching
When event visitors see security personnel who mirror their own demographic backgrounds, it makes them feel more comfortable and can enhance their sense of safety. This alignment can improve communication and reduce potential conflicts, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Event Security Team
- Identify Your Needs: Determine the specific security requirements for your event or organization. Consider factors such as the size and type of event, the level of security needed, potential risks or threats, and legal or regulatory requirements.
- Analyzing Your Event’s Demographic: You must understand who will attend your event before looking for a security team. Consider age, cultural background, languages spoken, and even social interests.
- Compile a List of Event Security Team: Make a list of security firms in the UK to start. To locate possible event security groups, you can use search engines, industry associations, internet directories, and recommendations from friends and coworkers.
- Researching Potential Security Team: Look for security companies promoting diversity within their ranks. Check their websites and marketing materials for diversity statements, employee testimonials, and team composition.
- Check Credentials and Accreditation: Verify the credentials and accreditation of each security team on your list. Look for certifications such as SIA (Security Industry Authority) licencing, ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme) accreditation, and memberships in industry associations like the BSIA (British Security Industry Association).
- In-depth Interviews or Site Visits: When you meet with potential event control team security, discuss their staff training procedures, especially those related to cultural competency and sensitivity. Ask about previous events they’ve staffed with a similar demographic to yours.
- Seeking References: Always ask for and follow up on references from events similar in size and demographic to yours. It can provide insight into how well the security staff managed and interacted with event attendees.
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Standards of Discipline and Performance
With high-attendance events, the challenge of managing large crowds can stretch the supervision capabilities of any security team.
Here’s how you can ensure that the performance and discipline of your security staff remain uncompromised:
- The ratio of SIA Officers to Visitors: Ensure that the provider can supply sufficient Offifcers based on the size of your event and the expected crowd density.
- Training and Preparedness: Inquire about the specific training the Officers have undergone to handle large events. It includes crowd management, spectator safety, emergency response, and conflict de-escalation.
- Supervisory Structure: Discuss the supervisory structure that will be in place during your event. A well-structured command and control model ensures that all security staff remain alert and adhere to protocols throughout the event.
- Check Compliance with Regulations: Ensure the security providers you consider comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. It includes adherence to data protection laws, health and safety regulations, and any specific requirements for security personnel.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure the security provider is adequately insured against potential liabilities and mishaps during your event or contract time, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Checklist to Hire an Event Security Team in the UK
Criteria | Description | Importance (1-5) |
Diversity in Staffing | Reflects demographic alignment with event attendees | 5 |
Experience with Similar Events | They have experience managing events of similar scale and demographic | 5 |
Training in Cultural Competency | Guards are trained in cultural sensitivity and appropriate communication | 4 |
Adequate Staffing Levels | Security Provider can staff the event appropriately based on projected attendance | 5 |
Robust Supervisory System | Clear, effective supervisory structure is in place to maintain order and address issues promptly | 4 |
Engagement and Interactivity: Going Beyond Security
Consider how your hired event security team can contribute to the overall experience:
- Interaction with Visitors: Choose security personnel who are not just protectors but also ambassadors of your event. They should be approachable and helpful, capable of contributing positively to the overall atmosphere.
- Response to Emergencies: Security staff must be able to respond swiftly and efficiently in an emergency, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety for all visitors.
- Feedback Systems: Implement systems where attendees can give feedback on their interactions with the security team. It can be crucial for improving future events.
- Technology: The capability to use technology is crucial for any event security, offering surveillance systems, access control, biometric identification, mass notification systems, GPS tracking, drones, CCTV Towers, and data analytics.
How to hire specialist event security team
Evaluate their staff diversity, ask about previous similar events they've staffed, and check if they offer cultural competency training.
It varies depending on the event type, but 1 Supervisor per 10 Officers and 1 Officer per 100 Visitors is generally a standard starting point, adjusting based on event specifics.
Absolutely. You can request that the security team undergo specific training tailored to your event’s needs, such as anti-discrimination training or specific crowd-control techniques.
Look for security team providers with a strong supervisory structure and ongoing on-site training during the event.
Yes, especially for events with a diverse linguistic demographic. Multilingual staff can improve communication and enhance security measures.
