PORTSMOUTH DUO ARE FIRST DOOR SUPERVISORS TO GET THEIR LICENCES
Two door supervisors from Portsmouth today became the first in the country to be awarded the new national Security Industry Authority door supervisors licence. Emma Loveday, who is employed by Bowlplex, and Oliver Gardiner of Big Security, have both completed a training course and passed rigorous checks to gain the new national SIA door supervisors licence.
Emma, aged 32, has been in the security industry for 4 years and combines life as a door supervisor with studying at University: “The new licence means the industry is starting to be more regulated, this can only be a good thing. People can enjoy a night out in pubs and clubs in the knowledge they are in safe hands.”
Oliver, aged 19, has been in the industry for 2 years and views the licence as a vital qualification: “I’ve learnt a number of new skills which will help me in my day to day role as a door supervisor, and long-term, in my wish to become a Policeman. It really is a great step forward for the industry as a whole.”
Under the new SIA licence, all door supervisors are required to undergo an identity and criminal background check and reach set levels of training and professional standards in the first nationally recognised qualification. Training covers key areas of door supervision such as conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.
The scheme launched across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 1 March, when door supervisors in the region were able to apply for his/her national SIA licence. From 4 June 2004, it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor in Hampshire and Isle of Wight without an SIA licence.
During the past 20 years, the number of door supervisors has grown dramatically with the boom in the night-time economy. It’s estimated that there are currently 95,000 door supervisors employed in pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales.
SIA Chairman Peter Hermitage said:
“We’re delighted to see the first door supervisors in Hampshire successfully complete their training course and gain the SIA licence.
“It’s vital that people, young and old, feel safe when they go out to bars, pubs and clubs. The new national licence will ensure we have qualified, highly trained door staff in pubs, bars and clubs across the country.
“This will be a benefit to the whole community not just door supervisors.”