The demand for professional doormen in London continues to rise, driven by the city’s vibrant nightlife, hospitality venues, and large-scale events that depend on trained security personnel. For any individual seeking a role as a door supervisor—or any security company aiming to maintain legal compliance—it is essential to understand the requirements of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA licensing framework ensures that personnel working in high-risk, public-facing security roles are properly trained, vetted, and capable of handling responsibilities safely and professionally.

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of SIA licensing for doormen, exploring what the licence is, who needs it, how to obtain it, its costs, obligations, and benefits. It is designed to act as a complete guide for security professionals, employers, and venue managers across London.

If you are an organisation looking to hire doorman in London, SIA-licensed professionals are not only recommended—they are a legal necessity.

What the SIA Licence Is and Why It Matters

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulatory body overseeing the private security sector in the United Kingdom. Its primary purpose is to ensure that individuals carrying out security-related activities are properly trained, trustworthy, and able to perform their duties safely.

An SIA licence therefore serves as legal verification that a doorman has been vetted and approved to work in frontline security roles. Without it, a person cannot lawfully protect premises, manage entry, prevent disorder, or supervise licensed venues.

For London, a city with some of the UK’s busiest nightlife districts—Soho, Shoreditch, Camden, and Clapham among others—SIA regulation plays a crucial role in maintaining order, safety, and professional standards. Venues that employ unlicensed personnel to act as doormen or undertake licensable security activities can face serious penalties, including fines or closure.

Who Must Hold a Door Supervisor Licence

The SIA has strict guidelines about which roles require licensing, and doormen fall into the category of frontline security operatives. Any person performing the following duties in London must hold a valid Door Supervisor Licence:

• Controlling entry into licensed premises

• Maintaining order and safety within or around a venue

• Protecting people from harm

• Preventing unauthorised access

• Handling conflict or managing crowd behaviour

• Monitoring for potential threats or anti-social behaviour

• Ensuring only authorised individuals enter age-restricted or members-only areas

These duties are fundamental to the role of a doorman, making SIA licensing mandatory.

However, there is an important distinction: a manager overseeing operations without personally carrying out any frontline security activities may require a non-frontline licence instead. But for anyone physically engaging with the public or acting as a guard, a frontline licence is non-negotiable.

Key Requirements to Obtain a Door Supervisor Licence

Becoming an SIA-licensed door supervisor involves meeting several important criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants are legally eligible, properly trained, and suitable for a role that often involves high responsibility and direct interaction with members of the public.

Age and Right to Work

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum legal age for performing security work in the UK.
Additionally, applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom, which will be verified during the application process.

Identity and Address Verification

The SIA requires verified proof of identity and a five-year address history. This includes passports, driving licences, utility bills, and other official documentation. The purpose is to ensure that every applicant is traceable and properly vetted.

Criminal Record Check

A criminal background check is a crucial part of the application. The SIA will request an enhanced DBS check, which examines an individual’s criminal history in detail.

This procedure ensures that those with certain types of serious convictions—particularly those related to violence, dishonesty, or security risks—are not permitted to work in frontline security roles.

Applicants who have lived abroad for six months or longer in the past five years may need to provide overseas criminal record documentation. While minor or historic convictions do not automatically disqualify someone, serious offences typically will.

Mandatory Training and Qualifications

Before applying for a Door Supervisor Licence, candidates must complete a comprehensive set of training modules approved by the SIA. These qualifications ensure that every doorman entering the industry has the knowledge and skills needed to handle real-world situations.

SIA-Approved Training Components

The door supervisor course includes four mandatory units:

Common Security Industry Knowledge

This foundational module covers legal responsibilities, workplace safety, emergency procedures, licensing law, theft prevention, and professional standards. It sets the groundwork for understanding the wider security environment.

Door Supervisor Specialist Units

This focuses specifically on door supervision, including managing entry points, searching individuals, addressing conflict, behaviour assessment, and venue-specific responsibilities.

Conflict Management

Given the nature of door work in London, conflict management is one of the most important skills. This part of the course teaches techniques for de-escalating verbal and physical aggression, managing high-tension scenarios, and maintaining professional conduct under pressure.

Physical Intervention

This module teaches measured, safe intervention skills designed to protect both the doorman and the public. The training emphasises non-aggressive techniques, appropriate use of force, legal boundaries, and responsibilities when physically engaging with individuals.

First Aid Requirements

Since April 2021, applicants must also hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification before beginning SIA training.

This ensures that all doormen are capable of providing initial emergency assistance—an essential skill during high-risk events, nightlife operations, or medical incidents involving patrons.

Training Duration

Training must last at least 45 hours, typically delivered over a minimum of four days. This ensures adequate time for practical training, assessments, and scenario-based learning.

Costs Involved in Becoming an SIA-Licensed Door Supervisor

Becoming a licensed doorman in London involves several costs, which vary depending on the training provider and the learner’s requirements.

Approximate Expenses

• Door Supervisor Course: £250–£350+

• Emergency First Aid Qualification: £50–£100

• SIA Licence Application Fee: Approximately £184 (subject to periodic changes)

In total, applicants typically invest £450–£600. While this may seem substantial, the licence is valid for three years and significantly enhances employability within London’s competitive security sector.

Companies hiring their own doormen sometimes cover training costs for employees, but many individuals choose to self-fund.

How to Apply for an SIA Licence

Once all training and documentation are complete, applicants can begin the official SIA licence application.

Create an Online SIA Account

The entire process is managed online through the SIA’s licensing portal. Applicants must create an account and submit personal information, identification documents, and proof of qualifications.

Submit Right-to-Work and Identity Evidence

The SIA will verify an applicant’s right to work and identity. Applicants may need to visit a local post office for in-person ID checks.

Upload Training Certificates

Evidence of the completed door supervisor course and first aid training must be uploaded before the application can proceed.

Pay the Licence Fee

The application fee must be paid online. Many employers reimburse or cover this cost, but it varies by company.

Wait for Approval

Processing times vary, but the average is around 25 working days. Some applications may be delayed if additional checks are required. Once approved, the licence is valid for three years.

Legal Obligations and Display Rules for Doormen

Doormen must comply with strict rules once they are licensed and deployed.

Displaying the Licence

The SIA licence must be visible at all times when carrying out licensable duties. This usually means wearing it in a clearly visible place, such as on a lanyard or clip.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Working without a licence is a criminal offence for both the individual and the employer. Penalties can include:

• Closure of the venue

• Fines

• Prosecution for the employer

• A ban from working in security roles

Full compliance is therefore essential for all security operators in London.

Renewals and Continuous Compliance

As licences are valid for three years, renewal is a key part of ongoing compliance. Renewals must be completed before the licence expires, and some roles may require updated training—particularly in physical intervention or first aid.

Additionally, SIA-licensed professionals must maintain good conduct, notify the SIA of address changes, and avoid offences that could compromise their suitability.

Security companies must also ensure all personnel are licensed and maintain accurate records, especially when providing staff to corporate clients, bars, clubs, or events.

Benefits of Being SIA Licensed

Holding an SIA Door Supervisor Licence provides numerous benefits:

• Legal right to work in frontline security roles

• Enhanced employability, especially in London’s competitive market

• Greater earning potential

• Professional credibility with employers and clients

• Ability to work across different types of venues, including clubs, hotels, events, festivals, corporate functions, and private parties

For employers, hiring SIA-licensed staff boosts safety, protects business reputation, and ensures legal compliance.

This is why professional companies like CR Protection only deploy trained and licensed operatives—because expertise and safety must never be compromised.

Common Challenges and Practical Tips

Although thousands of individuals successfully gain their SIA licences each year, the process is not without challenges.

Typical Issues

• Delays in DBS checks, especially for applicants with overseas residence

• Incorrect documentation, leading to application rejections

• Outdated or unapproved training providers, which invalidate qualifications

• High demand for training courses, especially in peak seasons or before major events

Advice for a Smooth Application

• Use only SIA-approved training providers

• Gather ID documents early and verify your address history

• Complete first aid training before booking the main course

• Apply well before you intend to begin working

• If you have lived abroad, start gathering overseas police checks early

For employers, maintaining accurate licence records and encouraging staff to renew early prevents operational disruptions.

The SIA licensing system is fundamental to maintaining safe, professional security practices across London. For doormen, holding a valid licence demonstrates competence, legal compliance, and readiness to handle the wide range of challenges encountered in busy nightlife and hospitality environments.

For venues, event organisers, and private clients, hiring SIA-licensed door supervisors is the only way to ensure legal operation and guarantee that staff are properly vetted and trained.

If your organisation needs to hire doorman in London, choosing SIA-licensed professionals is essential for safeguarding people, property, and reputation.