Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence Door Supervision Specialist Module Syllabus

Door Supervision Specialist Module syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Door Supervision Specialist Module in Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Role and Responsibilities of a Door Supervisor

   4 topics

   • Behavioural standards and professional conduct
   • Civil and criminal law for door supervisors
     • Licensable conduct on licensed premises
     • Use of force and refusal of entry
   • Keeping vulnerable people safe
     • Safeguarding and recognising exploitation
     • Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) principles
   • Equality, diversity and lawful refusal of service
2. 2

   Licensing Law and Drugs Awareness

   4 topics

   • Licensing Act 2003 and the four licensing objectives
     • Prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm
     • Premises licence, personal licence and designated premises supervisor
   • Offences relating to alcohol and entry
     • Sale to drunks and under-18s
     • Proof of age and Challenge 25
   • Drugs awareness and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
     • Classes of controlled drugs and recognition
     • Handling, recording and disposal of seized drugs
   • Recognising signs of drug and alcohol misuse
3. 3

   Searching, Ejection and Crowd Safety

   4 topics

   • Searching people and property
     • Consent, refusal and conditions of entry
     • Search procedures and dignity
   • Queue management and admission policies
     • Counting in and out and capacity limits
     • Managing pre-loading and intoxicated patrons
   • Ejection procedures and refusals
   • Crowd dynamics and event safety
     • Crushing, surging and crowd density
     • Emergency egress and stewarding
4. 4

   Recording, Reporting and Crime Scene Preservation

   4 topics

   • Incident reporting and notebooks
     • Accurate, factual contemporaneous records
     • Use of the pocket notebook as evidence
   • Preserving evidence and crime scenes
     • Securing the scene and chain of evidence
     • Continuity of evidence and exhibits
   • Working with the police and emergency services
   • Giving statements and acting as a witness

Door Supervision Specialist Module flashcards for Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence

24 of 50 cards from the Door Supervision Specialist Module deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the four licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003?

   1) The prevention of crime and disorder, 2) Public safety, 3) The prevention of public nuisance, and 4) The protection of children from harm. Every licensed premises must promote all four.

2. Which Act sets out the offence and classification of controlled drugs in the UK?

   The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which divides controlled drugs into three classes (A, B, C) based on their perceived harm.

3. List the three drug classes under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 with an example of each.

   Class A: heroin, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, crack. Class B: cannabis, amphetamines, ketamine, codeine. Class C: anabolic steroids, GHB, some tranquillisers (benzodiazepines).

4. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which class of drug carries the most severe penalties?

   Class A drugs carry the most severe penalties, reflecting their perceived level of harm.

5. What is the maximum penalty for possession of a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?

   Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

6. What is the legal difference between possession and possession with intent to supply?

   Possession means having a controlled drug for personal use; possession with intent to supply means holding the drug to pass it on to others, which carries far heavier penalties (life imprisonment for Class A supply).

7. Define the difference between civil law and criminal law for a door supervisor.

   Criminal law deals with offences against the state/society (prosecuted by the Crown, e.g. assault, theft) and can result in punishment. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals/organisations (e.g. negligence, trespass, breach of contract) and seeks compensation or remedy, not punishment.

8. What is the standard of proof in a criminal case versus a civil case?

   Criminal: 'beyond reasonable doubt' (a high standard). Civil: 'on the balance of probabilities' (more likely than not).

9. Define common assault in law as it relates to door supervisors.

   Causing someone to apprehend (fear) immediate unlawful violence. No physical contact is required - a threat or raised fist can be assault.

10. Define battery in law.

    The actual application of unlawful force to another person, however slight - any unwanted physical contact, such as pushing or grabbing.

11. What is the legal definition of reasonable force?

    The minimum amount of force necessary to achieve a lawful objective (e.g. defend yourself or eject someone), which is proportionate to the threat faced. Excessive force is unlawful.

12. What is the difference between assault and grievous bodily harm (GBH)?

    Common assault involves fear of or minor force; Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) causes harm like bruising/cuts; Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 causes really serious injury such as broken bones or wounding.

13. Define negligence in civil law and its relevance to door supervisors.

    A failure to take reasonable care that results in harm or loss to another. A door supervisor owes a duty of care to patrons and could be liable if their careless actions cause injury.

14. What is a 'duty of care' for a door supervisor?

    A legal obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably harm patrons, colleagues or the public, including ejected and vulnerable persons.

15. What is the difference between a citizen's (any person) arrest and a police arrest?

    A citizen's arrest (Section 24A PACE 1984) can only be made for an indictable offence that is actually happening or has happened, where it is not reasonably practicable for a police officer to do it. Police have broader arrest powers under Section 24 PACE.

16. Under Section 24A of PACE 1984, what conditions must be met for a door supervisor to make a citizen's arrest?

    An indictable offence must be in the process of being committed or have been committed, the person must reasonably be suspected of it, it must not be reasonably practicable for a police officer to make the arrest, and it must be necessary to prevent harm, escape, or loss.

17. What does the acronym IDENTS or the lawful arrest necessity criteria help a door supervisor remember?

    That an arrest must be necessary - reasons include preventing physical injury, preventing escape, preventing loss/damage to property, and ensuring prompt investigation. Force used must be reasonable and the person must be handed to police as soon as possible.

18. Who counts as a 'vulnerable person' that a door supervisor has a heightened duty to protect?

    Anyone at increased risk of harm - including those who are heavily intoxicated, lone or separated individuals, people who are drugged/spiked, those with a disability or mental health condition, young or underage people, and victims of exploitation or assault.

19. What are warning signs that a person may have been a victim of drink spiking?

    Sudden disorientation or confusion, slurred speech disproportionate to alcohol consumed, loss of coordination, nausea/vomiting, memory loss, unconsciousness, or appearing far more intoxicated than expected. Treat as a medical emergency and safeguard them.

20. What is the safeguarding principle behind the 'Ask for Angela' scheme?

    It allows a person who feels unsafe or threatened on a venue to discreetly ask staff for 'Angela', signalling that they need help to be safely separated from someone or escorted out - a vulnerability safeguarding measure.

21. What are the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

    Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

22. What is the difference between direct and indirect discrimination?

    Direct discrimination is treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination is applying a rule or policy that disadvantages people with a protected characteristic, even if applied to everyone.

23. When can a door supervisor lawfully refuse entry or service?

    For legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons - e.g. the person is too intoxicated, underage, violent or abusive, breaching dress code/admission policy, banned, or to comply with capacity limits and the law. Refusal must never be based on a protected characteristic.

24. Why must reasons for refusal of service be objective and recorded?

    To demonstrate the refusal was lawful and non-discriminatory, to protect the venue and door supervisor from claims under the Equality Act 2010, and to provide an evidential record if challenged.

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