May 2022

Events
guidance
for suppliers of security
 SIA | Events Guidance

Contents

Introduction 4

Check if you need an SIA licence to work at an event 5

Examples of licensable and non-licensable activity 7

Multi-role staff 9

Licence integration 10

Volunteers 12

Licensed premises 14

Sub-contractors and labour provision 15

Due diligence checks 17

Vulnerable groups 19

Contingency planning 20

Counter terrorism 21

Annexes 22

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Introduction

Are you planning

to supply security
operatives to an event?
You need to be sure that any security
services you supply are compliant
with the law. This means ensuring that
individuals are properly licensed where
necessary.

The purpose of this guidance is to help

you to identify the roles at your event
that may require a security licence
under the terms of the Private Security
Industry Act 2001. There is also guidance
on the due diligence checks you should
complete when supplying security. It’s
important to understand what makes
someone licensable. This will help you
make sure you have the right person in
the right role at the right time.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Check if you need

an SIA licence to
work at an event

If you are working at an event (for example, ‘Licensed premises’ means a venue
a concert or a festival) then you may need that has a licence to sell alcohol and/
an SIA licence. or provide regulated entertainment (for
example, live music or film screenings).

The requirement for a door supervisor

When you need licence applies if either of the following
statements is true:
an SIA licence ‒ your work is part of a contract for
services
Licensed premises ‒ you work ‘in-house’ (that is, employed
directly by the company running the
You need a door supervisor licence if all event)
of the following statements are true:
‒ you provide a physical presence A ‘contract for services’ is when you or
to guard against damage, theft, your employer have a contract to supply
unauthorised access or disorderly your services to another organisation.
behaviour An example of this would be where your
‒ your work is in relation to licensed employer is a private security company,
premises and your job is to stop people who have
‒ you work when the premises are open not paid from entering the event.
to the public, at times when alcohol
is being supplied for consumption,
or regulated entertainment is being
provided on the premises

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Other premises ‒ managing or supervising anyone

carrying out the licensable activities
You need a security guard licence if all listed above, including security
of the following statements are true: guarding and door supervision
‒ you provide a physical presence
to guard against damage, theft, A ‘contract for services’ is when you or
unauthorised access or disorderly your employer have a contract to supply
behaviour your services to another organisation.
‒ your work is part of a contract for
services
‒ your work is not in relation to licensed
premises When you do not need
A ‘contract for services’ is when you or
a licence
your employer have a contract to supply
your services to another organisation. You do not need a licence to:
An example of this would be where your ‒ work as an unpaid volunteer,
employer is a private security company, unless you are working as a vehicle
and your job is to stop people who have immobiliser in Northern Ireland
not paid from entering the event. (‘unpaid’ does not just refer to money:
you must not receive any reward,
benefit, or payment in kind)
Other activities ‒ check people have paid for entry to an
event or that they have an invitation –
You need an SIA licence if the work but if you then refuse them entry and/
you will be doing is part of a ‘contract or make them leave, you will need a
for services’ and involves any of the licence
following licensable activities: ‒ perform stewarding duties, such as
‒ guarding people against physical directing people to their seats, toilets,
assault or injury (close protection) or first-aid facilities
‒ guarding property against damage or
theft and transporting it in a vehicle You do not need a licence to work in-
designed for secure transportation house at a certified sports ground in
(cash and valuables in transit) England or Wales. A certified sports
‒ guarding premises, property, or ground is one that has an active sports
people by using CCTV equipment ground safety certificate. If another team
(public space surveillance (CCTV)) visits your certified sports ground, their
‒ keeping, or controlling access to, any employees will not need a licence if that
key or device for operating a lock (key team also has a certified sports ground.
holding)
‒ preventing or restricting the
movement of a vehicle, or removing
it, and then charging the owner to
release it (vehicle immobilisation) in
Northern Ireland
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 SIA | Events Guidance

Examples of
licensable and non-
licensable activity

The lists below are not exhaustive. You undesirable or likely to result in harm
should always remember that it is not to others
the job title that matters; it is the work, ‒ protecting a pitch, track or other
or activity, that an individual does that identifiable area from spectators
determines whether they need a licence. or others with the intention of
preventing unauthorised access
or damage
Licensable activity ‒ providing a security presence to
prevent and detect crime within
You need an SIA licence if you do any a designated area
of the following: ‒ guarding property and/or equipment
‒ screening a person’s suitability to in situ during the set up and breaking
enter the event or venue: for example down of an event, exhibition or similar
looking out for individuals under ‒ patrolling the perimeter of an event
the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to prevent unauthorised entry by
behaving in an anti-social way. This individuals, whether by climbing or
includes those who are searching breaching any fences or barriers, or by
bags to ensure that there is no being let in via an access point
unauthorised access or any damage ‒ working as a bodyguard protecting
to property or injury to others performers, corporate guests, clients
‒ searching people and/or property VIPs, etc. under a contract for services
for the purpose of preventing ‒ observations and reporting roles as
unauthorised or illegal items from part of, or in support of, guarding.
entering the premises e.g. cameras, Licensable activity includes providing
alcohol, drugs, or weapons a physical presence or any form of
‒ responding to incidents within surveillance to deter or otherwise
crowds, queues, or the audience to discourage something from
control behaviour which is anti-social, happening, or to provide information

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 SIA | Events Guidance

if it does happen about what has

happened. Examples of such roles
include (but are not limited to)
patrolling the venue, observing from
fixed positions, or monitoring CCTV
footage

Non-licensable activity

You do not need a licence to do any

of the following:
‒ customer care duties including
directing patrons to refreshments,
toilets and first aid facilities
‒ directing spectators to seating areas
by checking tickets.
‒ providing safety advice and assistance
to patrons
ensuring gangways and exit/ evacuation
routes are kept clear for health and
safety purposes
‒ helping with evacuation procedures
in the event of danger to patrons,
including liaising with representatives
of the emergency services
‒ having responsibility for the health,
safety and comfort of spectators
within a designated area
‒ monitoring and maintaining the
pedestrian flow at key locations e.g.
entry and exit points
‒ providing guidance and direction
to visitors arriving by car or on foot,
including the management of
roadway crossings to ensure the safe
passage of visitors over the roads
‒ reporting to a supervisor or safety
officer any damage or defect which
is likely to pose a threat to spectator
‘health and safety’ e.g. a damaged
seat or barrier
‒ work as a volunteer

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Multi-role
staff

It is worth considering if licensed staff

could be used for more than one activity.
They could, for example, be part of a
quick response team if they are no
longer needed to search people and
property at the entrance to an event. If
licensed staff are able to carry out more
than one role, it may reduce the number
of SIA licensed staff you need without
compromising the safety of the event.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Licence
integration

Licences that cover more You will usually need to get a licence for
each type of licensable activity that you
than one job activity do. For example, if you work as a security
guard and as a CCTV operator, you will
Some licences may be used for more need a security guarding licence and a
than one licensable activity. This is the public space surveillance (CCTV) licence.
case where we are satisfied that the
training required for one role is sufficient However, in some cases, if you hold an
for that individual to carry out licensable SIA licence for one licensable activity,
activity in another role. you will also be able to perform activities
covered by other licences.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Front line licences Non-front line licences

All front line licences allow you to A non-front line licence covers you for:
perform the activities covered by a non- ‒ key holding
front line licence. ‒ managing, supervising and/or
employing individuals who perform
If you hold a close protection licence, you licensable activities in their job
are also covered for: ‒ being a director of a company, or
‒ door supervision partner of a firm, where any other
‒ security guarding directors, partners or employees
‒ using CCTV to identify a trespasser of that company or firm perform
or protect property* licensable activities in their job

If you hold a door supervisor licence, You only need one non-front line licence.
you are also covered for:
‒ security guarding
‒ using CCTV to identify a trespasser
or protect property*

If you hold a security guarding licence,

you are also covered for:
‒ using CCTV to identify a trespasser
or protect property*

*Note
A public space surveillance CCTV
licence is required for guarding
premises, property or people by
using CCTV equipment to:
‒ watch members of the public or
identify particular people
‒ guard against disorder or
protect people from assault (this
includes using CCTV to stop
these things from happening or
provide information about them
if they do happen)

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Volunteers

Many events across the UK rely on The list provided on the HMRC website
volunteers to help deliver an event is comprehensive, but not exhaustive.
safely and provide a positive customer If in doubt, individuals or organisations
experience. We recognise the value of should seek independent legal advice.
volunteers, but for the purposes of the
Private Security Industry Act 2001 there The following examples show some
needs to be clear dividing line between common occurrences are likely to
volunteers and contracted-in security, be treated:
and clarity regarding the criteria for both. ‒ the payment of out of pocket
expenses (e.g. travelling to and from
Only individuals employed, or contracted the event) would not be considered a
in, to carry out licensable activities are payment in kind
covered by the legislation. Volunteers, ‒ the payment of a donation made
by virtue of not being employed or direct to a charitable organisation
contracted in are not considered to would not be considered as a
be employees. Therefore they are not payment in kind as long as no part of
licensable under the Private Security this payment is then passed on to the
Industry Act 2001 (unless in relation to individual
vehicle immobilising – refer to the Private ‒ the provision of a meal or meal
Security Industry Act 2001). vouchers during the working day is
acceptable. However, provision of
However, volunteers working as manned vouchers to be exchanged for, ‘lunch
guards at events must provide their at the Ritz’ for example could be
services for free. They must receive no considered a reward
financial benefit, payment in kind or ‒ the ability to view the event while
reward for their services to be defined working (directly before, during or
as a volunteer. The principles on what after a shift) would not be considered
constitutes a payment in kind or a reward, however preferential
reward are defined by HM Revenue & treatment, or discounted rates for
Customs. They identify a payment in premium tickets (e.g. Men’s Final on
kind or benefit as one that is subject to the Centre Court at Wimbledon, or a
either PAYE (tax) or National Insurance Cup Final match) could
contributions.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

‒ tickets provided to an individual

for use by themselves (whilst not
working), their family or any associate
could be viewed as a reward
‒ the provision of uniform or appropriate
equipment for the job would not
be considered payment in kind or a
reward, nor would certain other items
of clothing such as a motif tie. However,
the provision of official merchandise
e.g. CDs or DVDs could be

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Licensed
premises

For many events in the UK you need a

licence in order to supply alcohol and
provide entertainment at an event.
Legislative requirements are different
throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland
and England and Wales so it is important
organisers check with police forces and
local authorities as to which permissions
they require. The Private Security
Industry Act 2001 has a clear definition
of what constitutes a “licensed premise”
throughout the UK. The definition can be
found in Appendix A.

If you are planning to supply security

operatives to an event you need to
understand which areas of the event
are licensed premises. Is it only certain
sections such as bars or is it the entire
field, street, or building where the event
is taking place? Usually the “licensable
area” is explained on a plan supplied
with any licensing application. For the
purposes of SIA licensing security staff
deployed in relation to this “licensable
area” will require Door Supervisor
licences at times when the premises
are open to the public and alcohol is
available for consumption or regulated
entertainment is taking place.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Sub-contractors
and labour
provision

Sub-contracting and the use of labour The differences between

are common practices within the
private security industry. Ensure you
sub-contracting and the
know the difference between them use of labour
and understand who is responsible for
licensing checks in each case. Subcontracting is where:
‒ a business is responsible for delivering
a contract given to them by another
business who initially held the
contract with the customer

Labour provision is where:

‒ a business uses labour provided
to them by another business, to
supplement their staff numbers, to
enable them to deliver the contract
for security

You should be open with your client

about which approach you are using.
Put checks in place to guarantee that all
the security operatives you deploy are
correctly licensed.

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Who is responsible for Labour supplied

checking that everyone by a third party
is correctly licensed?
If you use labour supplied by a third
If you are using a sub-contractor to party, then you should consider how to
deliver a customer contract that was safeguard your business from financial
given to you by another party: and reputational risk. You can read the
‒ the sub-contractor is responsible for advice from HMRC on due diligence on
the screening and vetting checks of their website here: gov.uk/government/
the operatives they use to fulfil the publications/use-of-labour-providers.
contractual arrangement
‒ you need to have a clear plan as
to who will be managing the sub­
contracted staff, during the shift(s) SIA approved contractors
If you are using labour provided to you
from another company to enable you to If your business is approved under
fulfil your contract for security, it is your the terms of our Approved Contractor
responsibility to: Scheme (ACS), you may only sub­contract
‒ ensure that the screening and vetting to other SIA approved contractors,
checks of the provided operatives unless we have given you permission
have been carried out, or carry out to do otherwise.
your own checks
‒ agree who is going to manage the
provided staff (including any self-
employed staff)
‒ be aware that you may liable if
unlicensed staff, or staff with no right
to work, are found working at the
contracted premises

The terms and conditions of a contract or

agreement should clearly state the roles,
responsibilities and liabilities between
your company, any sub-contractors or
labour providers, and the end client.

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Due diligence
checks

You must ensure that due diligence ‒ create an online business account
checks are carried out in respect of the on the SIA’s website and register for
individuals who will be deployed by your the Licence Status Checker service.
business to fulfil a contract to provide You will be able to create a watchlist
security to an event. for all event staff that hold an SIA
licence and will be able to check the
validity of that licence. If you find any
individuals with suspended, revoked,
Before the event or expired SIA licences they cannot
work in a security role
‒ ensure you have a single point of
You should: contact for each sub-contractor or
‒ be able to supply on request a list of labour provider should you need to
all the individuals your business will contact them in an emergency
deploy to the event. The list should ‒ agree job descriptions and
include the following: assignment instructions with the
a. the individual’s full name customer in advance of the event.
b. date of birth Share them with every member of
c. SIA licence number your staff as appropriate. Also ensure
d. their role at the event that you share them with any sub-
e. their employer (if PAYE) or the contractors you are working with
labour provider ‒ be aware of all the conditions on the
f. ensure you update this list premises licence, temporary event
regularly, including any changes notice, or other licensing permission
to ensure you comply with that
licence

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During the event

You should:
‒ on the day of the event, before
it opens to the public check the
watchlist you created of the staff you
are deploying. Do not deploy any
individuals who are no longer licensed
into roles that require an SIA licence
‒ ensure all staff complete signing-in
sheets
‒ check that the number of staff you
have agreed to deploy matches the
number on site
‒ ensure briefings are undertaken so
that those who are SIA licensed are
aware of the limitations of their role.
Importantly, also ensure that any
individual you are deploying into a
non-licensable role is aware of the
limitations of their role

After the event

You should:
‒ organise a debrief with your customer
to review the event, including
successes and areas to improve upon
‒ if necessary, debrief the local
authority and police, either through
safety advisory groups or one-to
one meetings with regard to the
successes and challenges of the event
‒ keep any signing-in sheets

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Vulnerable
groups

If the event is aimed at children or the will be attending the event, brief your
vulnerable you should consider whether security staff in good time. They will
you need any enhanced screening and need to be able to recognise the broad
vetting checks. If vulnerable groups signs of the condition in question. You
with a specific non-visible condition should also advise them to work with any
(e.g. Tourette’s, Asperger’s, or autism) accompanying support workers.

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Contingency
planning

Event organisers use risk assessments We recommend that anyone supplying

and tabletop exercises to run through security operatives to events should
the event from initial preparation of give every member of their staff a clear
the site through to its conclusion. This job description. This should detail the
helps to clarify how they will use the activities they should do as part of their
different security operatives on site both role, and the purpose of those activities.
in a business-as-usual capacity or in an We also suggest that you include the
emergency situation. licensable status of the individual
and the location(s) where they will be
Contingency planning, or stress-testing, working.
hypothetical scenarios will help illustrate
how to use security operatives in an
emergency situation. It’s usual to plan
responses to incidents such as terrorism,
serious crime, natural disaster, medical
emergency, missing persons, equipment
failure or loss of communications.

For most events it is unlikely there

will be the opportunity to have a “live”
contingency exercise to train security
staff. However, this pre-planning will
ensure there are sufficient numbers,
clearly defined roles and responsibilities,
and procedures in place.

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 SIA | Events Guidance

Counter
terrorism

The UK has seen a number of terrorist We require SIA approved contractors to

attacks in crowded public places. The ensure that their staff are appropriately
National Counter Terrorism Security trained in counter-terrorism awareness.
Office (NaCTSO) have produced a We recommend that anyone supplying
number of publications to offer guidance security operatives to events similarly
to event organisers and security staff ensures that their security staff
regarding protective security to prevent have undertaken counter-terrorism
future attacks. You can find the most awareness training.
recent publications on the NaCTSO
website.

NaCTSO’s Action Counters Terrorism

(ACT) programme of training aims to
increase public safety by raising security
industry awareness of how best to
reduce and respond to the most likely
types of terrorist activities. The aim of
ACT is to:
‒ help understand the threat of
terrorism to the UK
‒ guide individuals on what to do if they
find themselves involved in a terrorist
incident or event that leads up to a
planned attack
‒ enable people to recognise and report
suspicious activity

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Appendix A:
Definition of
‘Licensed Premises’

For the purpose of the Private Security class of place falling to be licensed
Industry Act 2001 the definition of if to be used as place of public
‘licensed premises’ is: entertainment)
‒ premises in respect of which a ‒ premises comprised in a place
premises licence or temporary event where an activity for the time being
notice has effect under the Licensing designated under section 44(1) of
Act 2003 to authorise the supply of the 1982 Act (additional activities for
alcohol (within the meaning of section which a licence is required) is carried
14 of that Act) for consumption on the on provided that, in the case of an
premises activity designated under paragraph
‒ premises in respect of which a (a) of that section, the requisite
premises licence or temporary event resolution under section 9 of that Act
notice has effect under that Act to has been obtained
authorise the provision of regulated ‒ premises in respect of which a licence,
entertainment or an occasional licence, under the
‒ premises in respect of which a licence Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order
of a prescribed description under any 1996 is in force
prescribed local statutory provision is ‒ any place in respect of which an
for the time being in force entertainments licence within
‒ any premises within the meaning the meaning of Schedule 1 to the
given to “licensed premises” in section Local Government (Miscellaneous
147(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order
Act 2005 1985 is in force
‒ premises comprised in a place or class
of place for the time being specified
by resolution under section 9(5)(b) of
the Civic Government (Scotland) Act
1982 (resolution specifying place or

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For the purposes of the Private Security ‒ in relation to any occasion on which
Industry Act 2001 premises are NOT a bingo club licence within the
licensed premises: meaning of the Betting, Gaming,
‒ if there is in force in respect of the Lotteries and Amusements (Northern
premises a premises licence which Ireland) Order 1985 is in force in
authorises regulated entertainment respect of the premises, and the
within paragraph 2(1)(a) or (b) of premises are being used wholly or
Schedule 1 to the Licensing Act 2003 mainly for the purposes for which the
(plays and films) licence is required
‒ in relation to any occasion on which
the premises are being used –
exclusively for the purposes of a
club which holds a club premises
certificate in respect of the premises,
or – for regulated entertainment of
the kind mentioned in paragraph
2(1)(a) of Schedule 1 to the Licensing
Act 2003 (plays and films), in
circumstances where that use is a
permitted temporary activity by virtue
of Part 5 of the 2003 Act
‒ in relation to any occasion on which
a casino premises licence or a bingo
premises licence is in force in respect
of the premises under the Gambling
Act 2005, and the premises are
being used wholly or mainly for the
purposes for which such a licence is
required
‒ for Scotland, in relation to any
occasion on which a licence is in force
in respect of the premises under the
Theatres Act 1968 or the Cinemas Act
1985, and the premises are being used
wholly or mainly for the purposes for
which the licence is required
‒ in relation to any occasion on
which the premises are being used
exclusively for the purposes of a
registered club within the meaning
of the Registration of Clubs (Northern
Ireland) Order 1996

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Appendix B:
SIA licences and
use of bodycams

If you are using a bodycam or a You need a Public Space Surveillance

headcam for security purposes then (CCTV) licence if all of the following
you may need an SIA licence. statements are true:
1. You use CCTV to watch members
You should seek independent legal of the public or to identify particular
advice if you are still not sure whether individuals
you need a licence after reading 2. You use CCTV to guard against
this page. disorder or to protect individuals from
assault – this includes the use of CCTV
to try to prevent these things from
happening, or to provide information
When you need a front about them if they do happen
3. Your services are supplied under
line licence contract to a client

Video from a bodycam or headcam You need a Public Space Surveillance

is usually watched live by someone in (CCTV), Close Protection, Door
another location, or is recorded and Supervision or Security Guard licence if
then watched later. all of the following statements are true:
1. You use CCTV to watch members of
If you watch video footage captured by the public or to identify particular
a bodycam or a headcam as part of your individuals
job then you are likely to fall within the
definition of public space surveillance
(CCTV) activity.

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2. You use CCTV to identify a trespasser

or protect property – this includes the
use of CCTV to try to prevent these
things from happening, or to provide
information about them if they do
happen
3. Your services are supplied under
contract to a client

You still need an SIA licence even if the

CCTV footage you are viewing is from
a bodycam or a headcam.

When you need a non-front line

licence

You need a non-front line licence if:

‒ you will not personally be doing the
activity described above, but will be
managing or supervising people
who will
‒ you are a partner or director in a
company that uses bodycams or
headcams for such purposes

‘Director’ includes executive and non-

executive directors, shadow directors,
parent company directors, and corporate
entities holding a directorship.

When you do not need a licence

You do not need an SIA licence if you

wear a bodycam or headcam but do
not watch any of the footage from that
device.

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Appendix C:
SIA licences and
use of drones

If you are using a drone (unmanned You need a Public Space Surveillance
aerial vehicle) to watch or record video (CCTV) licence if all of the following
for security purposes, then you may need statements are true:
an SIA licence. 1. You use CCTV to watch members of
the public or to identify particular
You should seek independent legal individuals
advice if you are still not sure whether 2. You use CCTV to guard against
you need a licence after reading disorder or to protect individuals from
this page. assault – this includes the use of CCTV
to try to prevent these things from
happening, or to provide information
about them if they do happen
When you need a front 3. Your services are supplied under
contract to a client
line licence
You need a Public Space Surveillance
A drone will usually produce a video (CCTV), Close Protection, Door
feed that is watched live by someone in Supervision or Security Guard licence if
another location, or is recorded and then all of the following statements are true:
watched later. 1. You use CCTV to watch members of
the public or to identify particular
If you watch footage captured by a drone individuals
as part of your job then you are likely to 2. You use CCTV to identify a trespasser
fall within the definition of public space or protect property – this includes the
surveillance (CCTV) activity. use of CCTV to try to prevent these
things from happening, or to provide
information about them if they do
happen

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3. Your services are supplied under When you do not need

contract to a client
You still need an SIA licence even if the
a licence
CCTV footage you are viewing is from
a camera mounted on a drone. You do not need an SIA licence if you are
using a drone and:
‒ you do not watch the footage from
the drone
When you need a ‒ you only watch footage from the
drone in order to pilot it
non-front line licence

You need a non-front line licence if:

‒ you will not personally be doing the
activity described above, but will be
managing or supervising people
who will
‒ you are a partner or director in a
company using drones for such
purposes

‘Director’ includes executive and non-

executive directors, shadow directors,
parent company directors, and corporate
entities holding a directorship.

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Appendix D:
Resources

‒ Security Industry Authority (SIA) ‒ The Purple Guide (to Health, Safety
gov.uk/sia and Welfare at Music and Other
Events)
‒ National Counter Terrorism Security thepurpleguide.co.uk
Office (NaCTSO)
gov.uk/government/organisations/ Please be aware that you will need an
national-counter-terrorism-security- annual subscription to access the Purple
office Guide, which is produced by the Events
Industry Forum.
‒ HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
gov.uk/government/organisations/
hm-revenue-customs

‒ Association of Labour Providers

labourproviders.org.uk

‒ Home Office Immigration

Enforcement (HOIE)
gov.uk/government/organisations/
immigration-enforcement

‒ Institute of Licensing (loL)

instituteoflicensing.org

‒ Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

hse.gov.uk

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