What the role involves
Door supervisors control entry to licensed premises and events: checking ID and capacity, refusing entry where needed, managing queues, dealing with conflict, searching where permitted, and looking after vulnerable people. On the doors of pubs, clubs and venues, they are the first point of contact and the last line of safety.
Qualification and licence route
- Complete first aid where the route requires it.
- Pass the Door Supervisor licence-linked qualification: see the course
- Apply to the SIA and pay the £204 fee.
- Pass identity and background checks and receive the licence.
Training requirements
Current SIA guidance sets the Door Supervisor route at 44 hours over 6 days where permitted self-study is used, or 52 hours over 7 days without it. The exact timetable is shown on each provider listing. Valid first-aid evidence is required before the licence-linked training begins.
Skills employers want
- Calm, clear communication under pressure
- Conflict management and de-escalation
- Awareness of vulnerability, spiking and terror threats
- Reliability and punctuality: shifts start when the venue opens
- Physical intervention used lawfully and as a last resort
Work environments
- Pubs, bars and nightclubs
- Festivals, concerts and sports events
- Retail and shopping centres
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Corporate and event security contractors
Hours and conditions
Mostly evenings and weekends, with late finishes. Many door supervisors start part time alongside other work; events work is seasonal and peaks in summer and December.
Pay factors
- Region: London and large cities generally pay more than smaller towns
- Venue type: late-night venues and events often pay above retail or hotel work
- Experience and additional licences, such as CCTV or Close Protection
- Employed versus self-employed or agency work, and whether the rate is hourly or per shift
- Unsocial hours, bank holidays and short-notice cover
How to find first work
- Register with security agencies and event companies in your city
- Ask venues directly: many hire door staff through their existing team
- Take short-notice and event shifts to build references quickly
- Keep your licence, first aid and contact details ready to show
Progression
Head door supervisor or venue security manager; event security supervision; adding CCTV or Close Protection licences; moving into training, compliance or licensing roles.
