Stewards and security guards are a common sight at hundreds of sporting events, festivals, and concerts every weekend up and down the nation.
Both are charged with keeping people safe, answering queries, keeping an eye out for trouble and generally ensuring the event goes off without a hitch.
Despite all the similarities between the roles, stewards and security guards are not the same thing and if you are planning an event, or thinking of a career in either role, it is important that you are aware of the difference between the two.
What do stewards do?
Unlike security guards, stewards are part of the security at events only, and do not work in other sectors such as retail or property protection.
They do not require any specific qualification or prior experience to take on the role and many events use volunteer stewards that have no previous training whatsoever. However, this is only recommended for small an very low risk events and stewarding at a major occasion can be a tough gig.
That isn’t to say that there are no training programmes that stewards can go through either, and a Level 2 NVQ award in spectator safety or event stewarding are often a pre-requisite of working in sports stadia or concert venues.
Just some of the potential responsibilities of an event steward include acting as a visible reassurance to attendees, checking tickets, reporting safety issues to management, and working with the police or on-site security officers if required.
They may be asked to work within the venue, on the perimeter, or in the car park protecting attendees vehicles whilst they are away.
What about security guards?
Security guards are required to undergo significantly more training than stewards and must obtain an SIA licence in order to work in the security industry. If they wish to work on venues that served alcohol they must also obtain an SIA Door Supervisor licence.
Some of the tasks that are performed by security guards hat will not be performed by event stewards include searching event guests (sometimes accompanied by a sniffer dog or metal detector), protecting VIPs, dealing with conflict between attendees, and protecting the venue against terror threats in collaboration with the local police.
Security guards will usually work closely with any stewards who are on the site but will take control in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
They may well be involved in the decision making process regarding where stewards should be stationed to be most effective and how they can assist them in keeping the site safe.
If you are looking for a short-term position in the security industry potentially saving money for your desired career, event stewarding is a good option. However, if you are looking to pursue a career in the security industry and are truly passionate about protecting people and property from harm, security guard could well be the role for you.