Do you need to do a Door Supervisor or Security guarding Refresher Course?
Published on April 26, 2025
The Door Supervisor Refresher Course is crucial for anyone working in the security industry in the UK, particularly for those who hold an SIA (Security Industry Authority) Door Supervisor license. Here’s why it’s so important:
1. Maintaining License Validity
• SIA Requirement: The SIA requires individuals to complete a refresher course every 3 years to renew their Door Supervisor license. Without this, your license will become invalid, and you won’t be able to legally work in the role.
• Completing the refresher ensures you stay compliant with the legal and regulatory standards set by the SIA.
2. Staying Up-to-Date with Industry Changes
• Legal Updates: Laws and regulations around security, crowd management, and physical intervention evolve. The refresher course ensures you're aware of any changes, including new legislation or revised guidelines that affect your duties.
• Best Practices: The course also covers best practices in security, helping you stay updated on the latest techniques and strategies for handling challenging situations in a professional manner.
3. Reinforcing Key Skills
• Practical Skills: It’s a great opportunity to refresh your physical intervention skills, conflict management techniques, and communication strategies. These are key to handling situations effectively, whether it’s de-escalating conflict or ensuring public safety.
• First Aid: Some refresher courses include updates on emergency procedures like first aid and dealing with medical emergencies, which are vital in the security profession.
4. Enhanced Job Opportunities
• Professional Credibility: Employers prefer to hire individuals who are up to date with their training. Completing the refresher course shows you are committed to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and safety, which can make you stand out to potential employers.
• Increased Employability: If you let your certification lapse, you could miss out on job opportunities or have to go through the entire licensing process again, which could take time and money.
5. Boosting Confidence and Performance
• Improved Confidence: Security work can be high-pressure, especially in environments like clubs, concerts, or large events. Refreshing your skills and knowledge helps build confidence in handling difficult situations, which can reduce stress in the role.
• Refining Techniques: The refresher gives you a chance to polish your techniques, from checking IDs to managing crowd control, ensuring you're always performing at your best.
6. Health and Safety
• Safe Working Environment: A significant part of being a door supervisor involves ensuring the safety of both the public and yourself. The refresher course often covers topics like personal safety and handling potentially violent situations without putting yourself or others at risk.
7. Job Security
• Keeping Your License Active: If you fail to complete the refresher course, your SIA Door Supervisor license will expire, and you will no longer be legally allowed to work in the security sector. This could severely impact your career and job security in the industry.
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What’s Typically Covered in a Door Supervisor Refresher Course?
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Updates on the law related to personal security, physical intervention, and the responsibilities of a door supervisor.
• Conflict Management: Techniques for de-escalating situations and managing hostile individuals effectively.
• Physical Intervention: A review and refresh of techniques for managing physical altercations safely.
• Health and Safety: Ensuring that the security officer knows how to manage risks and handle emergencies (including first aid and fire safety).
• Customer Service: Enhancing communication skills and understanding the importance of maintaining a positive professional demeanor.
How Long Does It Take?
• Typically, the refresher course lasts around 2 days depending on the provider, and it's relatively short compared to the full Door Supervisor training course.
Conclusion:
Doing the Door Supervisor Refresher Course is essential for maintaining your professionalism, safety, and compliance in the security industry. It ensures you are up to date with the latest legal requirements, best practices, and essential skills needed for the job, which not only helps in your personal development but also ensures you can carry out your responsibilities safely and effectively.
Have you already done the refresher or are you considering it soon? Contact us at FAAS Ltd to discuss your options and your availability.