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Door supervisor

Alternative titles for this job include

Door supervisors guard licensed premises like pubs, bars and nightclubs against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

33 to 35 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

Your SIA licence is valid for 3 years after which you will need to renew it.

You may need to do 'top-up' training before your licence is renewed. This depends on the date you did your original door supervisor course and what the course covered.

You can check if you will need to do top-up training.

If it has been longer than 3 years since you last held a door supervisor licence, you will also need to complete recognised first aid training before your licence can be renewed.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the International Professional Security Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

SIA will make identity and criminal record checks to decide if you're a suitable person to hold a licence.

Read SIA information on applying for a licence when you have a criminal record.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a door supervisor right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a door supervisor?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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