The regulator the Security Industry Authority (SIA) with Northumbria Police announced the national roll-out of training for door supervisors on the issue of vulnerable people.
The new content will be included in the current mandatory SIA developed training modules for door supervisors from November 2013. That training will cover:
• Identifying vulnerable people.
• Understanding the risks to vulnerable people being ejected from, or refused entry to, a venue, and what actions can be taken to protect them.
• Identifying the behaviour of sexual predators.
• Identifying and knowing how to report indicators of child sexual exploitation.
The extra course material will, according to the authorities, ensure door supervisors can identify vulnerable people and know what steps to take to help protect them.
Those trained will assess triggers of vulnerability, these include: the amount of alcohol someone has consumed, their age, whether they are on their own or have lost contact with their friends, the surrounding environment and weather conditions.
The training has been developed as a result of work between the SIA, Northumbria Police, Safe Newcastle and the Tyneside-based door superviser and contract security company Phoenix Security.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Vera Baird, said: “I am delighted this is now a compulsory part of the SIA approved door supervisor training nationwide. We need to be doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people. It’s really important for people to be able to go out and socialise and know they are in a safe environment.
“This kind of partnership is the first of its kind in Northumbria and has proven to be a leading example of what can be achieved when agencies work together on key issues. I’m really proud of this work and what we have achieved so far.”
SIA Competency Manager Tony Holyland said: “The SIA is pleased to be working alongside Northumbria Police and the Home Office to help protect those who enjoy the night-time economy. Teaching door supervisors to be aware and to deal with vulnerable revellers is a welcomed addition to their training. It is encouraging to see that the authorities are placing more trust in the hands of door supervisors to ensure the protection of the public.”
Notes
By law, security operatives working under contract and all door supervisors must hold and display a valid SIA licence. A non-front line licence is required for those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity, as long as front line activity is not carried out; this includes directors and partners. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on the website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/enforcement
