As events, festivals, and corporate gatherings return in full force, the number one priority for any organiser is the safety and well-being of their attendees. It’s tempting to treat security as a box-ticking exercise hiring the required number of high-vis jackets to stand at the doors.
However, a truly effective event security plan is a comprehensive, integrated strategy. It’s the difference between simply reacting to problems and preventing them from happening in the first place.
At Prosec, with over 20 years of industry experience, we know that a safe event is a successful one. Here are the five key components we believe are essential to any professional event security plan.
1. A Bespoke, Written Risk Assessment
No two events are the same. A multi-day music festival has vastly different risks than a corporate conference or a private wedding. A professional provider will never offer a “one-size-fits-all” solution. They will conduct a bespoke risk assessment that considers:
- The Venue: Layout, entry/exit points, lighting, and vulnerabilities.
- The Crowd: The age profile, expected attendance, and history of the event.
- The Type: Will alcohol be served? Are there cash-handling points?
- Contingencies: What is the plan for a medical emergency, a fire, or a major incident?
This assessment forms the foundation of the entire security and safety operation.
2. Operative Quality: Beyond the SIA Licence
A valid SIA licence is the legal minimum for any security operative, but it should not be the only standard. The quality of the personnel is what defines your attendees’ experience.
We believe an operative should be a safety specialist, not just a guard. That’s why all Prosec operatives are first-aid qualified and have a minimum of an additional Mental Health First Aid qualification. This is a crucial distinction. At any event, minor injuries are common. Having staff on the ground who can act as immediate first-responders (before a dedicated medical team is even needed) saves time, reduces panic, and provides incredible value and peace of mind.
3. Integrated Medical & Safety Planning
Security and medical cover should not be treated as two separate services. An effective plan ensures they are fully integrated. Does your security team have a clear process for escalating a situation to your medical provider?
Using a single, trusted provider for both Event & Festival Security and Event Medical cover is the most seamless way to guarantee this. It ensures a single line of communication and a unified command structure, eliminating confusion during a high-stress incident.
4. Proactive Conflict Management
The best security operatives prevent incidents, they don’t just react to them. A modern security professional is also a customer service ambassador. Their greatest skill is communication.
Staff trained in conflict management can de-escalate potential altercations before they become physical, identify signs of distress in a crowd, and assist vulnerable individuals. This proactive approach maintains a positive and safe atmosphere for all attendees, ensuring their lasting memory is of the event itself, not a security issue.
5. Your Provider’s Experience and Due Diligence
Finally, does your provider have the experience to back up their claims? An experienced provider has seen it all and has contingency plans for the unexpected.
As an organisation established in 2006, we employ “rigorous due diligence processes,” ensuring all our specialists are not only licensed and qualified but also fully insured and vetted. Don’t leave the safety of your attendees and the reputation of your event to chance.
Your Next Step
A comprehensive plan involves a bespoke assessment, high-quality operatives, integrated medical services, and proactive conflict management.
Planning an event in Wiltshire or across the UK? Our Event & Festival Security services are built on decades of experience. Contact the Prosec team today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your security and medical plan.
