Category: News

Why is Security So Important at Events

Event security is a crucial part of the planning process when it comes to organising an event of any size. Appropriate event security is important for keeping your staff, event attendees and even the venue safe.

As an event organiser, you’re not just morally obliged to protect the health and safety of everyone working at, or attending, your event, it’s a legal obligation in the UK too.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), event organisers ‘have prime responsibility’ for the safety of workers (including contractors)and members of the public attending the event.

 

What to consider when planning security for your event?

Given the importance of ensuring your event has adequate security measures in place, it’s also a priority to choose a reputable event security partner to provide these for you.

SIA Approved Contractors

Ensuring that the event security contractor you choose is approved by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) – the regulator of the UK’s private security industry – is a good first step in choosing a the best security partner you can.

The SIA set and approve standards for conduct and training within the private security industry in the UK; any company that is an SIA approved contractor will appear on their Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) register.

Here at Kingfisher SEC, we rank in the top 10% of SIA approved security companies in the UK, you can find our entry on the ACS register here.

Crowd control

Proper event security is much more than simply letting the right people in and keeping the wrong people out of the venue.

Establishing a proper crowd management plan should not only incorporate safe entry and exit to and from the venue.

Effective crowd control measures should take into consideration factors such as:

• maximum venue capacity (including all staff and contractors)
• safe distribution of attendees around the event
• access to ‘staff only’ and backstage areas is restricted
• emergency exit routes are kept clear and accessible.

 

What type of security does your event require?

The type of security you require will depend on the event you are planning. In many cases, having event security personnel to guard entrances, conduct bag searches (where necessary) and monitor your attendees will be adequate.

However, there are certain events that may require different types of security personnel to be present. Understanding the types of risk that your event could present will help you to plan appropriately.

How many security personnel will you require at your event?

In general, one security personnel to every 100 attendees that you have at your event is a good ratio to aim for. However, as with the type of security you require for your event, the exact number of security professionals you need will depend on factors such as the event type, venue, number of attendees and so on.

To discuss your security needs further, please contact Kingfisher SEC on 020 8899 6959 or contact us here.