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

Considering a career in the security industry? If you’ve been weighing up the pros and cons of various security jobs, but are still struggling to make your decision, then don’t worry. We take a look at the role, required training and qualifications of both a door supervisor and security guard to help you pursue the perfect career. 

What is a door supervisor?

A door supervisor, also colloquially known as a bouncer, is someone that has government approval to screen people before they enter a certain premises. Typically, they’re employed by pubs, restaurants, clubs, entertainment venues and bars to determine whether those wanting to enter the venue meet the required criteria. 

This includes ensuring that they are of legal drinking age (over 18 in the UK), are not carrying any harmful weapons or illegal substances, and are behaving in a safe and appropriate manner. The role of a door supervisor also includes maintaining order outside the premises, crowd management, conflict resolution, responding to emergencies inside the venue and effectively communicating with the police and venue management when necessary.

Is there a difference between a door supervisor and security guard?

So, what’s the difference between a door supervisor and security guard? Let’s find out. The role of a door supervisor is to protect those inside a venue by managing those who want to obtain entry. A traditional security guard’s main role, on the other hand, is to perform manned guarding – the process of placing security guards outside a premises to help eliminate criminal damage and theft. This role can be performed during and outside of opening hours.

A security guard performing duties such as protecting property, eliminating theft and patrolling premises requires a SIA (Security Industry Authority) Security Guard License as well as a first aid qualification and licence-linked qualification. Similarly, a licenced door supervisor will also need a licence-linked qualification and a first aid qualification before they can apply for a front-line SIA licence.

What training is required for a door supervisor or security guard role?

As mentioned above, someone looking to pursue a career in door supervision will need to obtain a licence-linked qualification first before they can apply for the necessary SIA licence. They must also obtain a first aid qualification. Suitable licence-linked qualifications for a door supervisor role include:

Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry, awarded by:

• British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB)
• Highfield Qualifications
• Laser Learning Awards
• National Open College Network (NOCN)
• Pearson
• Qualifications Network (QNUK)
• SFJ Awards

Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Scotland) at SCQF Level 6, awarded by:

• British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB)
• Highfield Qualification

If you’re more interested in becoming a security guard, you will also need a first aid and licence-linked qualification before you can apply for a front-line security guarding licence. However, the licence-linked qualification that you need will be different to the required door supervisor qualification. 

The following acceptable qualifications for a security guard include: 

Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry, awarded by:

• British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB)
• Highfield Qualifications
• Laser Learning Awards
• National Open College Network (NOCN)
• Pearson
• Qualifications Network (QNUK)
• SFJ Awards

Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Scotland) at SCQF Level 6, awarded by:

• British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB)
• Highfield Qualifications

If you’ve already held a SIA licence and have an older licence-linked qualification that is not on this list, please visit the official Government website to see the extensive list of older relevant qualifications.

Does a door supervisor licence cover security guarding?

Yes, a door supervisor with a valid door supervisor licence can also perform the duties carried out by a security guard, such as manned guarding. It’s worth reiterating, however, that while a licenced door supervisor can operate as a security guard, a security guard without the relevant door supervision licence cannot perform the same duties as a qualified door supervisor.

How to apply for an SIA door supervisor licence

You can apply for a SIA licence online by simply following the application process. Before you apply, however, you’ll need to check that you have the right licence-linked qualification as well as the substantial amount of required information. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the licence fee is £190 is non-refundable, so ensuring you have suitable proof of identity, address details from the last five years and the right to work in the UK is vital before you start the SIA licence application.

How to find door supervisor jobs

Door supervisor positions are most common in pubs, bars, event venues and nightclubs, so reaching out to these kinds of hospitality establishments can help to further your job search. They are also frequently advertised on recruitment websites, so uploading your CV to several of these sites can help venues with doors supervisor job vacancies to find you and vice versa. 

Door supervisor training at Dynamis Education

To get your foot in the door, it’s always a good idea to have the relevant training and at Dynamis Education, we have a team of friendly and knowledgeable advisors that can pair you with the perfect course. If you’d like to find out more about our SIA Door Supervisor Course or any other educational courses on our website, please feel free to get in contact. 

You can get in touch by giving us a call on 0800 024 2443 or sending your enquiry in an email to info@dyamiseducation.co.uk. Alternatively, you can also use our online contact page to send us your basic contact details and enquiry. We’ll make sure one of our expert team members get in contact soon to help you explore your educational options and further your career prospects.