Event security must be well managed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone present at an event and other people who may be affected by it. Effective security also protects the venue and property.
In the wake of heightened UK security concerns and anti-terrorism legislation known as Martyn’s Law, event organisers must adopt comprehensive strategies to mitigate potential threats.
In this guide we discuss security threats event organisers need to consider, what to include in an event management plan, and practical ways to ensure guest safety, including an overview of new security technologies.
What is the key responsibility of an event manager?
An event organiser is legally responsible for taking all ‘reasonably practicable’ steps to protect the health and safety of everyone present at their event, which includes employees, contractors, vendors, and attendees and also anybody else who may be affected by their work.
Event managers must comply with health and safety laws. Later this year Martyn’s Law is due to come into force which will mandate specific security measures for public events.
What are event security threats?
Understanding event security threats is crucial for effective event security planning. Here are some primary threats to consider:
Terrorist attacks
High-profile events can be attractive targets for terrorist activities, aiming to cause mass casualties, instil fear, and attract media attention.
Terrorist attacks can take various forms, including bombings, shootings, or vehicle ramming attacks. The unpredictability and severity of such attacks necessitates rigorous security measures and contingency planning.
Martyn’s Law (drafted as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill) is due to come into effect this year to offer better protection to everyone in the UK against the continued and ever-evolving threat of terrorism. At Praxis42, we offer two online Martyn’s Law courses to help you manage security for events:
Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) Awareness course
The Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) Awareness course is for everyone who needs to understand the implications of Martyn’s Law for event security.
Participants learn about their responsibilities under the legislation, what effective security measures can be implemented and what to do following an incident.
Martyn’s Law (Counter Terror) training
Martyn’s Law (Counter Terror) training is aimed at those responsible for specific locations or events security (duty holders).
This course covers the essential elements of the Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) Awareness course plus the additional responsibilities of duty holders, like event organisers. Participants explore the control measures that can be taken to comply with Martyn’s Law and how to assess terrorism risk.
Violence
Violence at events can come from several sources:
- Attendee conflicts. Personal disputes between attendees can escalate into physical altercations.
- Gang-related incidents. Rival gang members might use public events as battlegrounds, posing a risk to by-standers.
- People with grievances. Those with grievances, whether personal or related to the event, might act violently out of frustration or anger.
Our Conflict Management course is for employees who are most at risk from conflict at work. The course helps participants identify the signs and causes of aggression and provides strategies for de-escalating and managing violence.
Theft
Theft is a common issue at events where large crowds and valuable equipment create opportunities for criminals. Items at risk include bags, wallets, phones and other personal items, expensive audio-visual equipment, lighting, and other technical equipment.
Fire
Fire hazards are one of the greatest risks at large events, and fires may be accidental or deliberate. Our online Fire Safety training can help event managers and employees to prevent fires and understand what to do if there is a fire.
Open flames like pyrotechnics and fireworks are a fire risk, and there are risks from portable cooking equipment and combustible materials like overflowing rubbish and litter.
Poorly maintained or outdated electrical systems can spark fires too. Temporary setups, often used in events, may not be up to standard. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can cause overheating and fires.
Event employees may benefit from Electrical Safety training. This course helps them to recognise the risks of working with electrical equipment and understand how to use it safely.
Cyber threats
With the increasing reliance on digital technologies for event management, cyber threats like these have become a significant concern:
- Data breaches. Unauthorised access to attendee information, such as names, contact details and payment information.
- Cyber-attacks. Hacking attempts on event management software, ticketing systems or Wi-Fi networks to disrupt the event or steal data.
Designed by security experts, our Cybersecurity Awareness training enables participants to be better able to prevent attacks by identifying threats and helps them understand what to do in the event of an attack.
Crowd control issues
Overcrowding can lead to dangerous situations and there have been hundreds of fatalities over the last decade. Recently, a crush at a Bristol secondary school caused pupils to be injured, and people were killed at the O2 Brixton Academy in 2023.
Overcrowding can be caused by:
- Stampedes. Inadequate crowd control measures can result in panic and stampedes, causing injuries or fatalities.
- Access blockages. Poorly managed entry and exit points can lead to congestion and impede emergency responses.
Health emergencies
Sudden health crises can happen at an event without warning, requiring immediate attention. For example, heart attacks, severe allergic reactions, heat stroke or dehydration.
A first aid needs assessment should be carried out prior to an event to identify what measures must be taken to protect employees, contractors and the public.
Basic first aid training should be provided so employees can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Our First Aid Appointed Person training ensures the person who oversees first aid understands their additional responsibilities and has the knowledge and confidence to make life saving decisions.
What is a security plan for an event?
An event security plan (or ‘event management plan’) is a comprehensive blueprint that details the measures and protocols to ensure an event is as safe as possible. Local authorities generally provide their own event management plan templates for event organisers.
The key elements of an event management plan are:
Organiser details
This section provides the name of the organiser and their contact details. It also gives the name, location, and date of the event.
Overview
The overview is a brief description of the event with the times the event will start and end. This section also provides an itinerary of each planned activity that will take place during the event.
Roles and responsibilities
This section provides the names and contact details of those with specific responsibilities, such as stage management or stewardship, with an outline of their duties.
Contact details for contractors and commercial traders are also provided, with an explanation of what they will be doing.
Competency and legal compliance
The event management plan provides information about the training, qualifications, and experience of staff to show they are competent to run the event.
If alcohol is being sold, an explanation of how it will be managed is detailed here along with confirmation that a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) has been obtained from the licensing department of the local authority.
Risk assessment
An event risk assessment is the foundation of an event management plan. The risk assessment might be part of the plan or a separate document. It involves identifying potential threats, assessing the venue’s vulnerabilities including entry and exit points, crowd density areas and critical infrastructure, and evaluating the potential impact of identified threats.
Control measures
The event management plan details all the safety control measures that will be implemented to address the risks identified in the risk assessment (see ‘How do you ensure guest safety and security?’ below).
Emergency response plan
An emergency response plan can be part of the event management plan or a separate document. It details the procedures to follow during emergencies, such as:
- Medical incidents. Procedures for managing medical emergencies, including having on-site medical staff, first aid stations, and access to emergency medical services.
- Evacuations. Clear evacuation routes, assembly points and procedures for orderly evacuation in case of fire, bomb threats or other emergencies.
- Lockdowns. Protocols for securing the venue in the event of a security breach or active threat situation.
Communication
Effective communication is a vital part aspect of event planning. Clear and efficient communication helps maintain order and reduce panic during a crisis.
Reliable communication channels must be established, such as radios, mobile phones and public address systems for security teams, event staff and emergency services.
There must be clear procedures in place for reporting and escalating security incidents promptly.
Monitoring and review
The event management plan should be reviewed and monitored right up until the event starts. Changes may need to be made, for example if the timings of event activities change. Everybody who needs to know should be made aware of any alterations to the plan and understand the implications.
How do you ensure guest safety and security?
Ensuring guest safety and security involves multiple layers of planning and execution. Here are some practical security measures that can be implemented.
Staff training
Providing comprehensive training for employees is essential to ensure they are prepared to manage security situations effectively.
Above we talked about how training in Martyn’s Law, conflict management, fire safety, electrical safety, cyber security and first aid enhance security. It is also vital for employees to understand the emergency response plan and their roles during an emergency.
Regular training and drills can help reinforce skills and knowledge so all personnel are prepared for real-life scenarios.
Pre-event screening
Pre-event screening is crucial to help prevent potential threats from entering an event. These are some actions that can be taken:
- Implement robust registration systems to track and verify attendee information.
- Carry out background checks on attendees, employees, and vendors to exclude individuals with criminal records or other red flags.
- Use biometric verification technologies, such as fingerprint or facial recognition to enhance the accuracy and security of the screening process.
Control access
Key measures to prevent overcrowding and violence include:
- Ticket checks.
- Metal detectors and bag inspections to prevent the entry of prohibited items.
- Issuing and checking IDs and badges for employees, vendors, and VIPs to control access to restricted areas.
Visible security presence
A visible security presence can act as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour, prevent overcrowding, and reassure attendees.
Specific roles must be allocated, such as perimeter security, crowd management and emergency response. Personnel must be strategically deployed so they are present at critical locations such as entrances, exits, stages and high traffic areas to maximise visibility and response capabilities.
These are some other measures to consider:
- Uniformed security personnel. Uniformed security guards patrol the venue and maintain order.
- Security stations. These are clearly marked stations where attendees can report suspicious activities or seek assistance.
- K9 units. Trained dogs can detect explosives, drugs and other prohibited items, adding an extra layer of security.
Surveillance
Surveillance technologies play a key role in monitoring and identifying potential threats:
- CCTV cameras. High-definition CCTV cameras placed strategically around a venue provide comprehensive coverage.
- AI-powered analytics. These surveillance systems can detect unusual behaviours, identify unattended objects, and provide real-time alerts to security personnel.
- Drones. Drones equipped with aerial surveillance can monitor crowd movements and detect potential issues especially in large outdoor events.
Clear signage
Clear signage helps attendees navigate the venue and follow safety procedures:
- Directional signs. Provide clear directions to exits, toilets and key locations in the venue.
- Emergency instructions. Display emergency procedures and evacuation routes prominently throughout the venue.
- Digital signage. Use digital signage that can be quickly updated with real-time information during emergencies.
Medical services
Having medical services on-site ensures prompt response to health emergencies. The measures required depend on the size of the event and the risks identified.
- Medical personnel. Station trained medical staff at key points within the venue to provide immediate assistance.
- First aid stations. Set up first aid stations equipped with necessary medical supplies and equipment.
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Employ EMTs who can manage more serious medical emergencies and coordinate with local hospitals for urgent cases.
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Place AEDs throughout the venue to treat cardiac emergencies swiftly.
Utilising new technology
Embracing new technologies enhances the ability to detect and respond to potential threats, ensuring a safer experience for all. However, technology must be tested prior to an event to ensure it is working properly, and people must be trained to use it.
- Facial recognition systems can quickly identify and verify attendees.
- Wearable tech devices for security personnel provide real time communication, location tracking and biometric monitoring to improve coordination and response times.
- Smart badges embedded with RFID or NFC chips can track attendee movements and control access to restricted areas.
- Mobile security apps provide attendees with security information, emergency alerts and a direct line to report suspicious activities.
- Deploying security robots equipped with cameras, sensors, and communication tools to patrol the area assists human security teams.
Do you have to hire security for an event?
Event organisers are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of those attending their venue. To support legal compliance, they must ensure adequate security measures are in place.
Each local authority has guidelines on the number of security operatives needed. It depends on the location, venue, whether the premises has an alcohol licence and other identified risks.
When you hire security services, you need to ensure their services comply with legal standards.
Are you planning an event?
Effective event security relies on the competency of organisers, employees, and contractors. At Praxis42, we offer a range eLearning courses to help people develop the skills and knowledge necessary to support event health and safety.
By ensuring that staff understand security risks and adhere to best practices and legal requirements like Martyn’s Law, you can create a secure environment so guests can enjoy your event with peace of mind.
