Stewards and Security

Security and Stewards – What is the difference? 

Security  and stewards have important roles at events and are often the first people you meet when you arrive on site. It’s useful to know the difference in their roles.

Stewards 

A steward’s primary role is to assist customers.  

This might be by: 

  • providing information,
  • advising you on event’s facilities and how to access them or,  
  • at a festival, assisting you with finding a camping spot.  

At large festivals, they might have different roles. One role is working on the Accessible Viewing Platform. They will have tasks including: 

  • Checking people have the right wristbands  
  • Making sure the toilets are kept clean and used appropriately  
  • Helping people with their chairs or directing people to the right place. 

Stewards can be volunteers. Being a steward at events can be a great way to make a difference at your local venue or festival. 

Security 

A security officer’s primary role is to keep customers safe.  

This includes:  

  • Completing security checks on entry to ensure no one brings in dangerous items 
  • Managing aggressive or antisocial behaviour  
  • Support during an emergency.  

The security team might also work on the viewing platforms. This could be to check wristbands and ensure the safety of the platform, and support stewards in emergencies. Unlike stewards, security professionals will be paid members of staff and will have a security license. 

Getting searched 

Security is very important at venues and festivals. Organisers have a responsibility to keep festival goers safe and may search customers for weapons or dangerous items. They might also make sure you are not bringing glass bottles or illegal substances onsite. 

Festivals have a right to search all customers and is unlikely that any disabled customer will be exempt from security searches completely. However, security staff should take any access needs into account when carrying out a search. 

Explain to security staff if: 

  • You have pain or sensitive areas so the search can be done as gently as possible 
  • You have metal plates or implants that require extra care with scanners 
  • You use medical aids or appliances that are essential to you  

This helps staff carry out the search safely and respectfully.  

Be prepared 

If you need to bring your own food, drink, or chair into an event, then contact the access officer in advance. Ask what their process is for approval and how you can evidence this at entry.

The security and steward team may have instructions and policies to follow, so it’s helpful to ask for an access officer to support you. If there is an ‘Access Entrance’, then this is the best place to start.

If something isn’t right 

If a security officer or steward treats you unfairly or behaves inappropriately, report it.  

Try not to argue with the security officer, this may not be helpful.  

Security staff have identification numbers on show, so take a note of this number. Then speak to the access officer or go to a customer service point to report what happened. 

After the event, you can also share feedback by email or letter.