Event security built around your safety plan
Event security starts with your event safety plan: we look at the venue, the audience and the licence conditions, then work out which roles you need, where, and for how long.
What we need from you
- Date, times, and the set-up and breakdown schedule
- Venue and site plan
- Expected attendance
- Event safety plan and any licence conditions
- Whether alcohol will be sold
- Who else is working the event, such as stewards, medical cover and the venue's own staff
Roles we can plan for
- Entry screening and bag searches
- Responding to incidents in the crowd
- Patrolling perimeters
- Guarding equipment during set-up and breakdown
- Protecting restricted areas such as backstage and cash points
Security or stewarding?
The difference matters, because it decides who needs an SIA licence. It depends on the work, not on the job title or the jacket.
| Usually needs an SIA licence | Usually does not |
|---|---|
| Screening entry and searching people or property | Checking tickets to direct people to seats |
| Refusing entry or removing people | Customer care and giving directions |
| Responding to incidents in crowds | Keeping exits clear and watching pedestrian flow |
| Guarding equipment and patrolling perimeters | Directing visitor traffic |
| Monitoring CCTV | Giving safety advice |
This summarises SIA guidance for event buyers and is not legal advice. If a role falls between the two, we will go through it with you before the plan is final.
What you receive
- A written plan showing roles, positions and times
- A briefing for everyone we supply, before the event
- A named person to contact on the day
- Incident reports after the event
- A review with you afterwards
Martyn's Law and events
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, is expected to come into force in spring 2027. The exact date has not been set. Public events with entry checks, where 800 or more people are expected at the same time, are expected to fall within the enhanced tier.
The duty sits with whoever controls the event or premises, and it cannot be passed to a contractor. The SIA is the regulator, and it does not recommend particular companies. In a survey we can look at your entry points, crowd flow and procedures, but the decisions remain yours. Read the SIA's guidance on Martyn's Law.
Common questions
How far ahead should I ask?
As early as you can. Staffing and the plan both take time, and the licence and safety plan may set conditions we need to read first.
Related
- Door supervision
Door staff for licensed premises, planned around your licence conditions.
- Events and hospitality
Licensing, crowds and the difference between security and stewarding.
Talk to us about your site
Call us, or send the site address and a few details. Asking for a quote does not commit you to anything.