Do Event Stewards Need an SIA Licence in the UK?
If you're thinking about working as an event steward in the UK, you may be wondering: do event stewards need an SIA licence?
Usually, no. Ordinary stewarding duties, such as directing spectators to seats, toilets or first-aid facilities, do not normally require an SIA licence. However, some security-related activities at events can require an SIA licence, so the exact duties you perform are important.
Let's look at the difference.
What Is an SIA Licence?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates the private security industry in the UK.
An SIA licence may be required when someone performs certain licensable security activities as part of their work.
For example, depending on the circumstances, activities involving security guarding, door supervision or certain types of physical intervention can require an SIA licence.
But being called an event steward does not automatically mean you need an SIA licence.
The activity you actually carry out is what matters.
Do Event Stewards Need an SIA Licence?
For normal stewarding duties, an SIA licence is generally not required.
GOV.UK specifically gives examples of non-licensable stewarding activities such as:
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Directing spectators to their seats
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Helping people find toilets or first-aid facilities
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Providing information to spectators
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Supporting normal spectator movement
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Performing general stewarding duties
These activities are different from security activities where a person is responsible for guarding people or property or controlling behaviour in a way that falls within SIA-regulated activities.
When Might an SIA Licence Be Required?
An SIA licence may be required if your role involves specific licensable security activities.
For example, GOV.UK identifies activities such as:
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Searching people or property for security purposes
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Controlling access in certain circumstances
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Physically intervening to control behaviour
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Guarding people or property
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Certain door supervision or security guarding duties
The exact requirements depend on the activity, the venue and how the work is organised.
This is why you should check the actual responsibilities of the job rather than relying only on the job title.
Event Steward vs Security Guard
Although event stewards and security guards may work at the same venue, their responsibilities can be different.
| Event Steward | Security Role |
|---|---|
| Helps and directs spectators | Provides security-related protection |
| Supports crowd movement | May control access or behaviour |
| Provides information | May perform licensable security activities |
| Helps with event procedures | May require an SIA licence |
| Focuses on spectator experience and safety | Focuses on specific security responsibilities |
There can be some overlap, so employers should make sure workers have the appropriate training and licences for the duties they perform.
What About Football and Sports Events?
Sports grounds can have additional rules around stewarding and security.
For example, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority explains that some activities, such as searching spectators or physically intervening with spectators, can be SIA-licensable activities. There are also specific exemptions for certain in-house stewards working at certified sports grounds in England and Wales.
So, if you're planning to work at a football stadium or another sports ground, don't assume that the rules are identical to those at a concert or festival.
Do You Need a Qualification to Become an Event Steward?
An SIA licence and stewarding training are not the same thing.
A person may not need an SIA licence for ordinary stewarding duties, but training can still be useful for understanding spectator safety, crowd issues, conflict management and event procedures.
The SGSA says the Level 2 Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events can be considered as a starting point for event attendants in non-safety-critical roles.
Learn Event Stewarding Online
If you want to understand the fundamentals of spectator event stewarding before looking for opportunities, Progressay offers the NCFE Level 2 Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events online.
The course covers areas including:
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Preparing for spectator events
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Spectator movement and crowd issues
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Managing and resolving conflicts
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Dealing with incidents
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Supporting your team and organisation
It is designed to provide knowledge and understanding for people interested in the spectator safety sector.
🎟️ Start Your Event Stewarding Training
Want to learn the fundamentals of event stewarding online?
[Start the NCFE Level 2 Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events on Progressay →]
The course page currently lists free enrolment, lifetime access and a certificate of completion.
Important: This course does not automatically give you an SIA licence. If your job involves an SIA-licensable activity, you must meet the relevant SIA requirements and hold the appropriate licence where required. GOV.UK also states that front-line SIA licence applicants generally need the relevant licence-linked qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do event stewards need an SIA licence in the UK?
Usually not for ordinary stewarding duties. However, some security-related activities can require an SIA licence. The specific duties you perform determine whether licensing is required.
Do event stewards need an SIA licence at football matches?
It depends on the duties and the type of employment. Some security activities at sports grounds are licensable, while certain in-house stewards at certified sports grounds in England and Wales can benefit from a specific exemption.
What is the difference between an event steward and a security guard?
Event stewards generally support spectators, crowd movement and event safety, while security guards perform specific security activities that may require an SIA licence.
Can I take an event stewarding course online?
Yes. Online courses can help you understand spectator safety, crowd management, conflict and incident procedures before entering the sector.
Does an event stewarding course give you an SIA licence?
No. An event stewarding course and an SIA licence are different. If your role involves an SIA-licensable activity, you need to meet the relevant SIA requirements separately.
Start Learning About Event Stewarding
Not every event steward needs an SIA licence, but understanding the difference between stewarding and security is important.
If you're interested in spectator safety or event work, getting familiar with crowd management, conflict, incidents and teamwork can give you a stronger understanding of the role.
Start the NCFE Level 2 Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events with Progressay today.
