What does a door supervisor do?

The responsibilities of a door supervisor differ depending on the venue they work for or the type of event. Providing security is the key aim and translates through different tasks such as checking the legal age and drinking age of people getting in or refusing entry to intoxicated people. Door supervisors often have to deal with challenging situations in which people are being aggressive or non-compliant with the rules of the establishment. A door supervisor needs to have a good level of fitness and be fully aware of the legal boundaries of their actions.

Door supervisor skills and qualifications

Being a door supervisor requires a level head and a high sense of responsibility. Below are some of the skills required to be successful in this role.

• Being patient, thinking and acting in a sensible way at all times
• Being responsive and physically fit to address any challenges
• Having the ability to anticipate
• Having full knowledge of public safety and security
• Having customer service skills
• Being able to stand for long working hours and in various environments
• Being able to handle stressful situations and remaining calm at all times

Door supervisor experience requirements

Being a door supervisor means candidates should have calm manners at all times and be able to manage challenging situations such as aggressive behaviour with self-control. This can be a personality trait but can also come with experience on the job. Apart from this, technical experience is required and can be gained through training. Having customer service experience is definitely a plus as this position is about finding the right balance between being customer focussed and driving results while being professional. Candidates should be able to operate a cash register and computer systems. Being 18 years old or over is a must.

Door supervisor education and training requirements

The main route to this position is a specialist training course. To get the final qualification, which is the front-line licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), candidates need to get through several qualifications tests. Before anything, candidates should get an Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent course. Once this is completed, they can get their SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence qualification. This licence permits its holders to work in security and is the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry. Those who want to enter this profession should check with training providers as they may offer a combined first aid course and level 2 door supervisor award.

Door supervisor salary expectations

Based on Indeed Salaries data, the average salary for a door supervisor in the United Kingdom is £12.13 per hour. This is an average and will depend on the employer as well as the location and the level of experience of the candidate.

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Door supervisor job description FAQs

What are the legal powers of a door supervisor?

A door supervisor works under the rules of trespass. This means that, when in their role, door supervisors are allowed to physically expel people from the area they are responsible for. This use of force can only be applied when all other options have failed. When in the role, door supervisors are allowed to protect themselves from attacks.

What is the difference between a door supervisor and a security officer?

There are many similarities between the two roles as both are responsible for identifying crime and ensuring people’s safety. The main difference is that a security officer monitors properties whereas a door supervisor protects people inside a property by screening those who enter. A DS usually has a license to sell alcohol, which a security officer cannot do on their security officer license.

What questions should be asked during a door supervisor interview?

Questioning candidates on their experience is critical. During the interview, the hiring employer can ask about the type of venues the candidate worked in, what their relationship with local authorities was, what was the most challenging situation they dealt with and how they managed it.