New rules from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) now require door supervisors and security guards to complete refresher training when renewing their licences. The change, which took effect on 1st April 2025, is intended to ensure security staff keep their skills up to date, particularly in areas linked to public safety.
According to Prima Cura Training, a safeguarding training provider working with bars, clubs, and pubs, the updated requirements place greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable people in the night-time economy.
The company specialises in welfare and vulnerability engagement training for the sector.
Stephanie Austin, founder of Prima Cura Training, said the responsibilities of door staff have changed significantly over time.
She said: “Over the last couple of decades, the role of door staff has really evolved.”
“It’s no longer enough to be a physical presence, there to enforce venue rules. Door staff are now trained to spot issues like domestic abuse, modern slavery, and drink spiking, which protects vulnerable people.”
“The new SIA changes show that evolving threats to public safety are being taken seriously, and door staff must be properly trained on how to spot these threats.”
Alongside training reforms, the SIA has updated its “fit and proper” test for licence holders. The assessment now goes beyond criminal convictions and may include information such as domestic violence orders, findings of misconduct, or disciplinary action from employers or professional bodies.
These changes, introduced on 1st December 2025, are designed to strengthen public safety standards in the private security industry.
Recent training for door supervisors already includes topics such as spiking awareness and physical intervention skills. The new refresher courses build on this by focusing more strongly on recognising and responding to vulnerability in real time.
Austin said door staff are well placed to identify risk early. “Security staff are in an ideal position to spot these kinds of issues. They’re actively looking out for unusual behaviour, they’re less distracted than other members of staff like bartenders or DJs, and they’re used to handling difficult or confronting situations.”
“By training security staff to spot and prevent public safety issues before they happen, rather than just intervening after the fact, we can make sure vulnerable people feel safer on nights out.”
A report from Rape Crisis highlighted that inappropriate behaviour in nightlife settings can lead women to leave venues early, avoid certain areas, or stop participating in the night-time economy altogether.
Pete Lambert, Town Safety and Venue Liaison Manager at Experience Guildford and an Ask for Angela ambassador, supported the regulatory changes.
He said: “These regulation changes go a long way to protect women and girls, but they’re also beneficial for the night-life industry itself.”
“The safer patrons feel, the more likely they are to enjoy themselves. We want people to come out, have fun, and stay longer in the night-time economy.
“Door staff who are properly trained to look after people encourage customers to return, benefitting the venues economically and reputationally.”
The SIA refresher training also includes updated content on terror threat awareness and physical intervention. Licence holders must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before completing the refresher course.
Industry observers say the reforms reflect changing risks in licensed venues, where alcohol consumption, crowded environments, and late-night activity can increase safety concerns. Door supervisors are often the first line of intervention at entrances and within venues.
Prima Cura Training continues to deliver targeted safeguarding programmes, including WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) training, to help staff identify and respond to vulnerability. The organisation has worked with night-time economy businesses in areas such as Guildford to support safer nightlife initiatives.
The changes are widely seen as part of a broader shift in the security sector toward prevention rather than reaction. By embedding vulnerability awareness into mandatory training, the SIA aims to raise professional standards and improve public confidence in nightlife environments.
Experts also note that improved door supervision contributes to both public safety and local economies by encouraging longer visits and repeat attendance in venues.