Event Security Careers: How to Get Trained and Hired for Concerts in London

Why now is the moment to train as an event security steward in London

Crime and violent incidents near concert venues — from the high-profile attack on actor Peter Mullan to foiled plot investigations linked to mass events in 2025 — have pushed promoters and venue operators to tighten security. If you’re a student, part-time worker or returning learner looking for flexible evening/weekend income, this means more vacancies and faster hiring for trained stewards and security staff. But employers now expect accredited training, up-to-date vetting and demonstrable crowd-safety skills.

Quick snapshot: what’s changed in 2026

• Greater demand for accredited stewards and SIA-licensed staff at concerts and festivals.
• Stricter vetting and more comprehensive background checks after several high-profile assaults and planned attacks in 2024–25.
• New training blends — short online modules plus face-to-face practical sessions (digital micro-credentials are common).
• Venue tech integration — stewards increasingly need familiarity with ticket scanners, incident logging apps and body-worn camera procedures.
• Higher pay bands in central London and for SIA-licensed door supervisors (competition for skilled staff affects rates).

Who should read this guide

This article is for students, part-time workers and lifelong learners who want a fast route into London concert stewarding or event security — whether you’re looking for occasional shifts or a stepping-stone to a professional security career. You’ll get a clear training and application roadmap, CV and interview templates, venue-specific hiring tips and an actionable 90-day plan.

What employers want in 2026: the core checklist

Before you apply, make sure you can tick the boxes below. Venues and contractors use this checklist when screening candidates.

• Right to work in the UK — passports, BRP cards or settled status evidence.
• SIA licence where required (door supervision/security guard roles)
• Basic crowd-safety training or a recognised stewarding course (even if no SIA licence is required)
• EFAW or First Aid — valuable for large events
• Availability for evenings and weekends — most concerts run late
• Recent references or demonstrable reliability (attendance, punctuality)
• Fitness to stand and patrol — ability to work long shifts
• Smartphone and digital skills for using ticket scanners and incident apps

Step-by-step: how to get trained (fast)

Below is a practical path you can follow in 30–90 days. Timescales assume you start with no formal qualifications and have the legal right to work in the UK.

Step 1 — Decide if you need an SIA licence (days 1–7)

For many concert steward roles, venues hire non-licensable stewards to manage queues, assist disabled customers and guide crowds. But where there is searching, locking, or guarding licensable activities (e.g., entry control, guarding licenced premises), an SIA licence is required. If you want maximum flexibility, aim for the SIA Door Supervisor licence — it covers the widest range of concert roles.

Step 2 — Book and complete SIA-approved training (days 7–30)

Use an SIA-approved training provider. In 2026 most providers run blended courses: online theory plus a 1–3 day practical workshop. Typical course topics include conflict management, searching techniques, crowd psychology and legislation.

• Choose a provider with glowing reviews and a clear pass rate.
• Bring ID and proof of right to work to the course — both are needed for your SIA application.
• Expect to pass a multiple-choice exam and a practical assessment.

Step 3 — Apply to the SIA (days 14–45)

Apply online at the SIA website after you pass training. The standard process requires fingerprints and a criminal-record check. Typical timelines in early 2026: 2–6 weeks depending on police checks and backlog. If you have recent convictions you should check SIA guidance first — some offences will affect eligibility.

Step 4 — Add complementary qualifications (days 21–60)

To stand out, add short, recognised credentials:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — 1 day
• Crowd safety / event stewarding Level 2 — often 1–2 days
• Counter-terror awareness — short course on hostile reconnaissance and reporting procedures (many venues now expect this)
• Basic conflict management and de-escalation refresher

Step 5 — Get a DBS and references (days 30–60)

Some promoters ask for a basic or enhanced DBS check and two references. Get these ready early. Student employers and university security teams can provide references if you lack paid work history.

Where to find part-time concert steward jobs in London

Target both direct venue listings and specialist security agencies. Here’s a shortlist of routes that consistently list concert steward and event security roles in London:

• Venue websites and their staffing pages (O2, Wembley, Royal Albert Hall, Brixton Academy, Alexandra Palace, Roundhouse, Shepherd’s Bush Empire)
• Major security contractors and event agencies — many work on a roster basis for large venues
• Gig-economy and events job boards (search “concert steward”, “event security”, “safety steward”)
• University career services — big student pools are often used for short-notice events
• Local borough job boards — central boroughs (Greenwich, Brent, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, Camden) post roles regularly
• Facebook groups and Telegram channels for event staff (use judgement and verify agency legitimacy)

London boroughs and venues with highest demand (2026)

Demand is concentrated around major arenas and cultural hubs. If you can travel to these boroughs, you’ll find more shifts and higher pay.

• Greenwich — The O2 complex hires large numbers for concerts and conferences.
• Brent — Wembley Stadium and surrounding event spaces.
• Lambeth — Brixton Academy and Southbank events.
• Camden — Roundhouse and smaller music venues.
• Kensington & Chelsea — Royal Albert Hall and high-profile classical events.
• Hammersmith & Fulham — Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Hammersmith Apollo events.

How much can you earn? London pay expectations (2026)

Pay varies by role, licence and venue. Use these 2026 London ranges as a guide — local promotions and late-night shift premiums can increase earnings.

• Non-licensable stewards: £11–£15 per hour (some student roles start at the London Living Wage)
• SIA-licensed door supervisors: £13–£22 per hour (central London venues and private events pay top rates)
• First-aider or specialised roles (crowd manager): +£1–£4 per hour on top of base pay

Many roles are paid per shift with holiday accrual; always check if travel time and uniform costs are reimbursed.

How to write a standout application and CV

Concert-security hiring managers scan for reliability, clear evidence of training, and availability. Keep your CV tight and use these points.

Key CV sections and sample bullets

• Profile (2 lines): “SIA-licensed Door Supervisor with crowd-safety training, EFAW-qualified, available weekends and late evenings. Reliable, calm in high-pressure environments.”
• Certifications: SIA Door Supervisor (date), EFAW (date), Crowd Safety Level 2 (date), DBS (if held)
• Experience (focus on outcomes): “Steward, University Freshers Week — managed crowd flow for 4,000+ attendees; zero lost-time incidents.”
• Skills: conflict de-escalation, incident reporting, ticket scanning, mobile incident apps, customer service.

Email template to apply (copy-paste)

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I’m applying for the part‑time steward role at [Venue/Event]. I hold an SIA Door Supervisor licence (or: have completed Crowd Safety Level 2), EFAW certified, and am available most evenings and weekends. I have experience managing queues and assisting disabled customers at large student events. Please find my CV attached. I can attend an interview at short notice.

Best regards,
[Your name] • [Phone] • [Email]

Interview and on-shift tips: what they’ll test

Interviews for stewarding roles are practical. Expect scenario questions, a short role-play or group exercise and a check on your availability. On shift, your behaviour is assessed for future bookings.

Common interview scenarios and suggested responses

• Someone is intoxicated and aggressive: focus on calm communication, safe distancing, call for assistance, and incident logging.
• Crowd bottleneck at a turnstile: move to redirect flow, communicate clearly, liaise with security supervisor and implement queue management tactics.
• Lost child: ensure immediate reassurance, keep child visible, call a supervisor and follow venue safeguarding policy.

Safety & legal considerations — what you must know

In 2026 venues are increasingly rigorous about procedures following recent incidents. Key obligations include:

• Reporting any suspicious behaviour (hostile reconnaissance) to supervisors and police if required.
• Following venue safeguarding and evacuation procedures — these vary by site and are mandatory.
• Understanding use-of-force limits — non-licensed stewards must not carry out licensable activities beyond their training.
• Body-worn camera policies — many venues now require or use them; know the rules for consent and data handling.

Practical 30–60–90 day plan to get hired

Follow this plan to move from zero to booked shifts in three months.

Days 1–30: qualification and visibility

1. Decide if you’ll pursue SIA licence — book an SIA-approved course.
2. Complete Crowd Safety and EFAW courses; gather ID and right-to-work documents.
3. Create a concise CV and LinkedIn profile highlighting certifications.

Days 31–60: applications and agency registration

1. Apply to venue direct roles and register with 3–5 specialist agencies.
2. Collect references and apply for DBS if requested.
3. Attend interviews, ask about rostering systems and late-night transport arrangements.

Days 61–90: first shifts and reputation building

1. Take your first shifts and ask for feedback from supervisors.
2. Be punctual, professional and log incidents carefully — good reports lead to rebookings.
3. Add any on-site short training to your CV (e.g., venue-specific evacuation training).

Advanced strategies to move from part-time steward to security pro

If you want a long-term security career, plan for these upgrades over 6–18 months:

• Gain and maintain your SIA licence for broader roles and higher pay.
• Complete specialist certificates — major incident management, crowd psychology, and supervisory courses.
• Build a network of supervisors and contractors who can book you regularly.
• Keep digital records of your shifts, positive feedback, and incident handling to support higher-grade applications.

Real-world example: how training and prompt action prevented escalation

A university student trained in crowd safety worked a sold-out gig in 2025. When a small group tried to force past ticket barriers, the steward used non-confrontational language, created a sight line for colleagues and guided the group to a slower exit route. The incident was de-escalated without physical force; the venue praised the steward for quick thinking and offered repeat shifts. These are the behaviours promoters now reward.

What to watch for in 2026 recruitment adverts

Recruiters now include explicit security and safeguarding requirements. Watch for these keywords and phrases — they indicate a serious employer:

• “SIA licence required/ preferred”
• “Crowd safety or counter-terror training”
• “DBS check required”
• “Evening and weekend availability essential”
• “Experience with ticket scanning / incident logging apps”

Common mistakes that cost candidates the job

• Applying without up-to-date ID or right-to-work documents.
• Listing certifications without proof — always attach certificates.
• Underestimating the importance of punctuality and communication in initial shifts.
• Failing to ask about transport and break arrangements for late finishes — employers want staff who stay safe travelling home.

Final checklist before your first concert shift

• ID and SIA licence (if applicable)
• Printed or digital certificate copies (EFAW, Crowd Safety)
• Comfortable black shoes, venue-approved uniform, high-visibility items if supplied
• Phone with charged battery, spare power bank, and incident app installed if required
• Water, snacks and plan for late-night transport home

“After recent incidents, venues are investing in people — trained, calm and digitally literate stewards keep concerts safe and get rebooked.”

Next steps — make your move in 2026

If you want shifts this spring and summer, start today: book an SIA-approved or crowd-safety course this week, update your CV and register with local agencies. Demand is high but so are standards — the quicker you get accredited, the faster you’ll access better-paid, regular shifts.

Call to action

Ready to start? Visit JobLondon’s events security listings and training partner directory to find SIA-approved courses, local agency contacts and current steward vacancies at London venues. Sign up for shift alerts and upload your updated CV — we’ll connect you with vetted employers looking to hire trained stewards right away.

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