Door supervisor
Bouncer, doorman, doorwoman
Door supervisors enforce the entry policy in venues like pubs, bars and nightclubs and look after the safety of the people inside.
Salary range: Variable
How to become a door supervisor
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a private training course
College
You’ll need to do the Level 2 Award for working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry, to get a front line licence, which is issued by the Security Industry Authority.
You’ll need to complete 4 training modules and pass the exams. Modules include:
- working within the private security industry
- door supervisor specialist
- conflict management
- physical intervention skills
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
More information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start through an intermediate apprenticeship in providing security services.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Other routes
You could take private training to get your door supervisor’s licence.
More information
Registration
- you’ll need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for agency and contractor jobs
Career tips
If you already hold a door supervision qualification gained in the last 3 years, you may be able to apply for a front line licence. Check the information about previous qualifications from the Security Industry Authority.
As a door supervisor, you’ll need to renew your licence every 3 years.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the International Professional Security Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills
- concentration skills
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need to:
- have a Security Industry Authority licence
- be over 18 years of age
- pass enhanced background checks
The Security Industry Authority may make other checks to decide if you’re a suitable person to hold a licence.
If you have a criminal record, this does not necessarily mean that you will not be granted a licence. The Security Industry Authority has more detailed information.
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- managing crowds and queues
- making sure people keep to the dress code
- checking tickets
- patrolling inside and outside the venue
- watching people’s behaviour and dealing with conflict
- restraining and escorting people out of the venue, if necessary
- dealing with emergencies
- co-operating with police, first aiders and management
Working environment
You could work at events, at a sports arena or at a music venue.
Your working environment may be crowded, noisy and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to team leader or area supervisor.
You could move into other types of security-related work, like retail security.
You could also go on to set up your own agency.