In his first blog for Infologue.com, Trojan Security Managing Director, Ivan Mariacher, discusses the importance of integrating spectator safety into SIA door supervisor and close protection training and how best to approach this change.
In the UK, the roles of security professionals are multifaceted and demanding, requiring a diverse skill set to effectively manage safety in various environments. Among these roles, SIA Door Supervisors and Close Protection Officers are crucial in ensuring the security and well-being of individuals and crowds. Traditionally, security personnel have had to undergo separate training for their SIA licence and additional qualifications in spectator safety, such as Level 2 or Level 3 certifications. However, integrating spectator safety training into the SIA Door Supervisor and Close Protection training programs offers a more efficient and comprehensive approach, providing significant benefits for both security professionals and the industry at large.
The Current Training Landscape
At present, security professionals seeking to work in environments with large crowds, such as sports stadiums, concert venues, and other large events, typically need to complete their SIA training followed by a separate course in spectator safety. The SIA Door Supervisor licence enables individuals to work in roles that involve protecting premises and people, often in public-facing scenarios such as nightclubs, pubs, and retail establishments. Meanwhile, SIA Close Protection training prepares individuals to provide personal security to high-profile clients, involving more specialised skills in risk assessment and personal safety.
The Case for Integration
In my opinion from understanding the industry and the operations I have been involved in the direction in which the industry is going, is proving for operatives to be versed in crowd safety in most of the settings that an operative can be deployed to and the duties they are tasked in. Certainly stadiums where Spectator Safety qualification is now becoming mandatory (Wembley Stadium pioneering in setting that standard with other Stadia following suit more recently) so this should be pushed to any large crowd gathering like festivals. The recent publication from the UKCMA “Safer Crowds, Safer Venues: Good Practice for Crowd Management in the UK Performance and Licensed Spaces” certainly instigates discussions that considerations for crowd safety should begin in environments with as little as 100 attendees. Illustrating examples where injury or death can be the consequence for not integrating an understanding of crowd dynamics not to mention larger gatherings where crowds become not just a gathering but a force of nature. So why not roll this out in unison with SIA training and the top up initiative?
Combining spectator safety training with SIA Door Supervisor and Close Protection courses would create a more streamlined and cohesive training process. It would also negate some of the questionable and phantom approaches to Spectator Safety training practices but that of course is an entirely different conversation all together.
Here are what I believe to be several key benefits of this integrated approach:
Holistic Skill Development
By incorporating spectator safety into the core curriculum of SIA training programs, security professionals can develop a more comprehensive skill set from the outset, broadening understanding and opening their interest and confidence to a larger portfolio of work. This integrated training ensures that all security personnel are equally prepared to manage the unique challenges presented by large crowds. They will gain a deeper understanding of crowd dynamics, emergency evacuation procedures, and incident management, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
Improved Job Readiness
Security professionals who complete integrated training are better equipped to step into diverse roles without the need for additional, separate courses. This improves their employability and readiness for a wider range of security scenarios. Employers benefit from having staff who are immediately capable of handling both general security duties and the specific demands of spectator safety, reducing the time and cost associated with further training.
Enhanced Public Safety
A security workforce trained comprehensively in both general security and spectator safety contributes to higher standards of public safety. Integrated training ensures that all security personnel are consistently equipped to prevent and manage incidents in crowded environments, thereby reducing the risk of injury or harm to the public. This consistency is crucial for maintaining high safety standards across various venues and events.
Cost and Time Efficiency
For both trainees and employers, integrating spectator safety into SIA training can result in significant cost and time savings. Instead of investing time and money in multiple courses, a single, combined training program can deliver all necessary skills and knowledge. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to enter the security industry, as it reduces barriers to entry and accelerates their career progression.
Standardisation and Quality Assurance
The need for Spectator Safety awareness does not seem consistent. A Stadium may mandate it as necessary where an event venue or a festival site with the same capacity or greater does not despite the crowd numbers determining its need to be the same. An integrated training program can help standardise the quality of security training across the industry. By ensuring that all security personnel receive consistent, high-quality training in both general security and spectator safety, the industry can maintain uniform standards of professionalism and competence. This standardisation is crucial for building public trust and confidence in security services.
Removing the divide
Mandating the training will remove the segregation of staff pooling for those fit for Stadium work against those that are not. Removing the hurdle for staff preparedness and allowing large event and iconic venues to benefit from a broader recruitment.
Moving Forward
To implement this integrated approach, collaboration between the Security Industry Authority (SIA), training providers, and industry stakeholders is essential. The SIA can lead the initiative by revising its training frameworks to include spectator safety as a core component of Door Supervisor and Close Protection training. Training providers must adapt their curriculum to incorporate these elements, ensuring that all trainers are equipped to deliver the expanded content effectively.
Additionally, industry stakeholders, including employers and venue operators, should advocate for and support this integrated training model. By recognising the value of a workforce trained comprehensively in both general security and spectator safety, they can help drive demand for such programs and contribute to their successful implementation.
Conclusion
Integrating spectator safety training into SIA Door Supervisor and Close Protection courses represents a forward-thinking approach to security training in the UK. This comprehensive model not only enhances the skill set and job readiness of security professionals but also contributes to higher standards of public safety and operational efficiency. As the security industry continues to evolve, adopting integrated training programs can ensure that security personnel are better prepared to meet the diverse and complex demands of their roles, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the public.
In an industry that packages the services of safety with often the facing a range of clientele (as with any industry) who’s approaches range from understanding the importance of a strong security culture equating to an insurance policy of their employees, customers, assets and business objectives against those that may not see it as a worthwhile investment the objective for us as security providers is clear. All must arrive safe and leave safe