Hiring security for your event isn’t like booking a DJ. Get it wrong and people get hurt. Here’s what you need to know before signing any contracts.
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Verify every guard will be SIA licenced. This isn’t optional. It’s the law. Ask the security company to provide SIA licence numbers for guards they’ll deploy. Check them on the SIA website. No licence means they can’t legally work security.
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Confirm guards are BS7858 vetted. This standard covers criminal record checks, employment history, and identity verification. It’s deeper than basic checks. Reputable companies like Guard Mark Security vet all guards to BS7858 automatically.
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Ask how many events they’ve secured similar to yours. If you’re running a music festival and they’ve only done corporate receptions, that’s a problem. You want proven experience with your event type.
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Get references from recent clients and actually call them. Don’t just accept a list of names. Ring those people. Ask if guards showed up on time, behaved professionally, and handled problems effectively.
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Understand exactly what’s included in the quoted price. Does it cover equipment like radios and barriers? What about overtime if your event runs late? Hidden costs destroy budgets. Get everything in writing.
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Check their insurance coverage and ask for proof. Security companies need public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance. Ask for certificates. Make sure coverage amounts are adequate for your event size.
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Find out who supervises the security team on your event day. Will there be a security manager coordinating everything? Can you contact them directly? You need a clear chain of command.
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Discuss their emergency response procedures. What happens if there’s a medical emergency, fire, or security threat? How do they coordinate with police and ambulance services? Vague answers are red flags.
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Confirm how far in advance they’ll arrive before your event starts. Guards should be on site, briefed, and positioned before any guests arrive. If they’re planning to show up as your doors open, that’s not professional.
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Ask about their communication systems. Do all guards carry radios? Is there a central control point? How do they relay information quickly across your site?
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Understand their staff replacement policy. If a guard calls in sick on your event day, do they guarantee a replacement? Some companies leave you short-staffed with no warning.
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Check if they carry out site visits before quoting. Companies that quote without seeing your venue are guessing. Professional firms like Guard Mark Security always visit the site first to assess properly.
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Ask how they handle conflicts and difficult guests. You want de-escalation strategies, not aggressive confrontation. Guards should remove problems quietly without creating bigger scenes.
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Verify they understand your specific event requirements. Age verification for alcohol sales, VIP area protection, equipment security, whatever matters for your event. Make sure they’re prepared for your actual needs.
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Read the contract carefully before signing. Cancellation terms, payment schedules, liability clauses. Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand. Ask questions until you’re clear.
Guard Mark Security provides transparent quotes, proven experience, and fully licenced guards for events across Yorkshire. We’ve secured everything from small private parties to major festivals. Contact us at 03301755786 or [email protected] for honest advice about your event security needs.
