Door supervisors and door stewards, sometimes called bouncers, judge the suitability of people entering licensed premises and uphold security. They also maintain order and safeguard the well-being of customers on the premises. When working inside a venue they may be referred to as floor supervisors.

In large venues they may use queue management techniques to avoid crushing and queue jumping. Body searches may also be carried out and may involve the use of metal detectors to deter the carrying of weapons. Door supervisors patrol inside a venue and ensure that they can be located in the event of an emergency.

They liaise closely with the police, first aiders and management to play a proactive role in defusing tensions in hostile or violent situations. They also work to reduce the supply of drugs into a venue.

Hours and Environment

Working hours depend on the opening hours of the venue. Door supervisors are normally required during busy periods, which usually involves evening and weekend work. Part-time work is usually available.

The environment will vary from venue to venue. Working on the door may involve working in all weather conditions. Inside conditions can be hot, noisy and smoky. The work involves standing for long periods.

Door supervisors may wear a uniform or a jacket with a highly visible security badge.

Skills and Interests

To be a door supervisor you should:

• be physically fit
• be able to make decisions quickly
• have good customer service skills
• have a knowledge of health and safety regulations
• have a knowledge of licensing laws
• be able to defuse potentially violent situations.

Entry

To become a door supervisor you will need to be aged over 18, and apply for a licence. Licences are obtained through the Security Industry Authority (SIA) on completion of a Level 2 National Certificate/Award/BTEC Award in Door Supervision (see details of approved training providers on the SIA website). 

Door Supervisor licences have been rolled out recently throughout England and Wales (with Scotland to follow). The licenses are now mandatory across the country. To apply for the licence, contact the SIA, or visit their website for an application pack (see Further Information). Applications are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

There are no set entry requirements for the Level 2 National Certificate in Door Supervision.

Those who already hold another door supervisor qualification may be exempt from part or all of the training, being able to exchange previous qualifications for the new certificate. These include awards made by: Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO); National Open College Network (NOCN); British Institute of Innkeeping (BIIAB); and Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE). Exemptions can be checked on the SIA website (see Further Information).

Some employers will take on trainee door supervisors and support them through the training and licensing process.

Training

The training course for the Level 2 National Certificate in Door Supervision may be delivered over 4 days or during weekends and/or evening sessions. The total training time will always be 30 hours including the two exams.

The course is split equally into two broad sections; Role and responsibilities of a door supervisor, and Communication skills and conflict management. An exam is taken on each section.

After passing the certificate course a door supervisor licence is issued which must be renewed every three years.

It may be possible to take further training courses, for example the first aid and physical intervention courses provided by the Door Supervisor Training Organisation (DSTO). See contact details in Further Information.

Opportunities

Door supervisors work in public houses and nightclubs. They may work directly for the establishment or on contract for an agency. Vacancies are advertised locally through Jobcentreplus and the press.

In large organisations it may be possible to move into a team leader role and then on to an area supervisor position.

Working as door supervisor may act as an opening into the security industry, for example retail security (see Security Officer and Store Detective profiles).

It may be possible to become self-employed by setting up an agency that provides venues with door staff.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Door supervisors are usually paid on an hourly basis.
Door supervisors earn around £7 to £12 per hour; some earn more, depending on the venue and location.

Further information

Maurice House
2 Iddesleigh Road
Bournemouth
BH3 7JR
Tel: 01202 299969 PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100 Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111