Safety at Events
Lucia Howland, SIA Regional Investigation Manager and Tactical Events Lead, highlights SIA guidance on industry compliance and public safety at events.
This summer looks set to be one of the busiest times we have seen in a while, with many high-profile events already booked in the national and local calendar. In addition, the potential of some promising weather suggests that across the UK people can look forward to a summer packed with great festivals for music, food, and the arts.
With the air filled with anticipation and excitement, public safety at these events will be paramount.
I and my colleagues at the SIA have spent the last few months watching all of the planning that goes on behind the scenes. We’ve seen the security industry and the events sector working together to ensure that people can safely enjoy themselves.
The role that private security operatives will play in keeping the public safe at these events will be critical.
Most, although not all, events will require some professional security. Some or all of these security staff may require a licence issued by the SIA.
This week we have published updated guidance to ensure that people providing security services at events are compliant with the law. This means ensuring that security operatives are properly licensed where necessary. If you are providing a security service, this guidance will help you to identify the roles at your event that will by law require an SIA licence.
Our guidance also includes advice on the due diligence checks you should complete when supplying security. It’s important to understand who is legally responsible for conducting those checks, and what evidence to keep.
Throughout the summer we will also be issuing further information and guidance to support security operatives as they carry out their duties at these events.
We will cover a range of issues from how to identify people who may be vulnerable to information from the government’s “Enough” campaign to end violence against women and girls. Watch out for information on counter-terrorism and best practice on ensuring public safety in crowded places. You can find this information on our GOV.UK pages and via our social media posts.
It looks like it going to be amazing summer. Let’s do everything we can to make it a safe one!