The average number of spectators in the Football League Championship in 2017/2018 reached 20,489 people. Can you imagine this massive number of people in one place – without security and stewards to maintain their safety?
Most of the time, security and stewards provided by event security companies are not given the credit they deserve. They are integral to maintaining safety in public events, such as football games, festivals, and concerts.
Due to the similarities in their duties, it can be hard to differentiate event stewards from security personnel. We’ll now go into more detail regarding their differences and shared responsibilities.
What Do Event Stewards and Security Personnel Have in Common?
To start with, they both protect the event area and the public from potential accidents – or try to prevent them altogether. Their authority allows them to manage the attendees and maintain a safe environment. They are essentially authorized to secure different areas; however, they often work hand in hand.
Event stewards often report to security staff for serious problems during the event. Vice versa, if the security sees an issue within the steward’s control, they point it out to them.
Event Security
Event security staff must have the required training and obtain a license from the Security Industry Authority or SIA. They are trained to protect attendees, the property, or any valuables on site. Even security also helps with crowd control and detects potential criminal activities.
Before any event, careful planning is needed as each security team member must be strategically placed for the most optimal area coverage. If anything unexpected occurs during the event, event security must be able to reach the area and prevent the issue in the shortest time possible. They are always dressed in the same outfit and can be visibly differentiated from stewards. Event security teams are also fewer in number compared to stewards.
Responsibilities of Event Security Staff
Event security has a set of responsibilities that only they can carry out in any event, and some of those include:
- Body and bag searches
- Confiscating prohibited items during the event
- Removing people from the event area
- Guarding private areas and valuables
- Guarding VIPs at the event
- Coordinating counter-terrorism measures
Counter-Terrorism
Counter-terrorism, or anti-terrorism, has been a more recent problem. This has prompted the need to take preventive measures during event planning. Each event security personnel must be able to deal with counter-terrorism, and not all security guards have the required training to prevent terrorism.
Many people think that only governmental institutions can fight against terrorist attacks, but the private sector is getting increasingly involved. The event security staff gets extra training to prepare for this situation, and official government facilities deliver the training.
Further security measures are taken for larger events attended by VIPs, or if there’s reasonable doubt of an attack. The police or other government forces will participate in providing safety during the event, together with the event security.
Event Stewards
Even though event stewards can be volunteers, events often require the service of trained and skillful stewards.
Event stewards ensure the event runs smoothly. They deal directly with the spectators and manage any unacceptable behavior that might occur. The stewards are responsible for crowd control, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
The number of stewards present at any event depends directly on the nature of the event and the number of people who will show up. This also relates to the required training the stewards undergo beforehand.
Training for Stewards
For smaller events, you can rely on volunteer stewards with no previous training. This is because the crowd is easier to manage, and no special skills are required.
However, pre-trained stewards are a specific requirement for events that host numerous attendees, VIPs, and famous people. Their presence is also required for certain types of events where alcohol will be served. There are available courses for people who wish to acquire the title of trained steward.
Level 2 NVQ training in Spectator Safety or Level 2 NVQ training in Event Stewarding are two of the training courses a potential steward can enroll in. Many events provide their own training sessions for stewards prior to the day of the event.
Requirements for Becoming a Steward
The responsibilities of stewards last before, during, and after the event. A steward has to fulfill certain requirements, including:
- Be above 18
- Be fit and physically healthy
- Have the required training
- Know the event area well
- Wear the identifying jackets or west
- Carry proper equipment with them
Responsibilities of a Steward
Stewards’ obligations may vary based on the event planner’s needs and preferences. Some of their duties include:
- Visible presence at the event area at all times
- Assisting the people at the event with any help they need
- Checking tickets
- Monitoring crowd movement to prevent any potential issues
- Monitoring the car park
- Reporting any potential safety issue
- Reporting any damaged fixtures in the area
- Updating Crowd Managers about the current situation
Stewards are assigned a particular area during the event and are responsible for whatever happens within their section. Essentially, they’re in charge of managing and controlling crowd movement.
How to Reach Reliable Event Security Companies
Finding the right event security company with all the necessary licenses for the job and well-trained security staff and stewards can be challenging. You’ll also want to ensure they understand and meet your unique event security needs.
At All Time Security, we will provide you with precisely that – and more. We are an SIA-approved contractor for all kinds of security services like security guarding, door supervision, and close protection. We offer various security packages for business premises and events tailored to your needs and budget.
If you have more questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d be happy to provide you with the best security solution.
