How do you hire a security guard?

Anyone can buy a hi-vis vest and call themselves a “security guard”. Not everyone is legally allowed to work as one — and telling the difference is the single most important thing you’ll do when you hire.

Here’s the short version. To hire a security guard properly: decide exactly what you need them to do, work out how many you need, use only SIA-licensed officers from an insured company, verify every licence is genuine, agree the cost and shift lengths in writing, and book with enough notice. Do those six things and you get a trained professional who actually protects your people, event or property — not a stranger in a uniform. The rest of this guide walks through each step.

What does a security guard actually do — and which type do you need?

Before you hire anyone, get clear on the job. “Security” covers several different roles, and picking the wrong one either wastes money or leaves a legal gap.

• Security guard — protects premises, property and people. This is licensable work: it needs a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
• Door supervisor — works where alcohol is served or crowds and conflict are likely. Door supervisors are trained in conflict management, searching and controlling entry, and must hold a door supervision licence. Our guide to door supervision explained covers when you legally need one.
• Steward — manages flow, welcomes guests, gives directions and checks tickets. Stewarding is not licensable, so event stewards don’t need an SIA licence — but they must not be used for roles that legally require a licensed officer.

Getting this right first saves money. You don’t pay for a licensed door supervisor when a steward would do, and you never put a steward into a role — like searching bags or managing a volatile queue — that legally needs a licence.

How many security guards do you need?

Too few and you’ve got gaps; too many and you’re paying for people standing around. The right number depends on how many people are attending, the venue layout, the finish time, whether alcohol is served, and the overall risk.

A common starting point is roughly one officer per 100 guests, then adjusted up for late finishes, alcohol, cash on site, VIPs or higher-risk crowds. That’s only a rule of thumb, though — our guide to how many security guards you need explains how to size it properly, and the security guard calculator gives you a quick estimate in a couple of clicks.

How do you check a security guard is properly licensed?

This is the step most people skip — and the one that matters most. In the UK, guarding and door supervision are licensed by the SIA, and working without a valid licence is a criminal offence.

Don’t just take someone’s word for it:

1. Ask to see the licence. Every front-line officer should have one and be willing to show it.
2. Check it’s the right type. A door supervisor role needs a door supervision licence, not just any SIA licence.
3. Verify the number. A licence can look genuine but be expired or revoked. Check the number against the SIA’s public register — our how to check an SIA licence guide shows exactly how, and the SIA licence checker makes it fast.

A trustworthy provider will happily let you verify their officers. Reluctance to show a licence is a red flag, full stop.

What should hiring a security guard cost?

There’s no single price, because it depends on the role, the hours, the location and the risk. As a guide, SIA-licensed officers in the UK typically cost around £20–£35 per officer, per hour in 2026, with London, overnight and weekend work at the top of that range. Our full breakdown of event security costs has worked examples, and the event security cost calculator gives you a ballpark figure instantly.

Two things to plan for:

• Minimum shift. We work to a minimum of four hours per guard (and a minimum of one guard), which is standard across the industry. A short two-hour event is still charged at four hours per officer, so efficient shift patterns keep costs down.
• Beware the too-cheap quote. A rate well below the market usually means unlicensed staff, no insurance, or someone being paid below the legal minimum — none of which protects you.

Because a fair price depends on your specifics, treat any figure here as a range, not a quote. A good provider will help you right-size the booking rather than over-sell it.

Should you hire directly or through a security company?

You can hire a freelance guard directly through an online marketplace, or book through a security company. They are not the same deal.

Hiring a lone freelancer can look cheaper, but if they fall ill or simply don’t turn up, you have no cover and no comeback — and you may be carrying the insurance risk yourself. A reputable company gives you vetted officers, public liability insurance, supervision, backup cover if someone drops out, and one accountable contract instead of a chain of individuals. For most events and businesses, that reliability is exactly what you’re paying for.

What should you look for in a security company?

Once you’ve decided to use a company, judge them on substance, not the website. A dependable provider should offer:

• SIA-licensed officers — every front-line guard, verifiable on request.
• Proper insurance — we carry £5 million of public liability cover, and you should ask any provider for proof of theirs.
• Vetted, screened staff — background-checked officers, ideally to the BS 7858 screening standard.
• A clear written quote — set out in advance: rates, hours, number of officers, and what’s included. No vague “day rates”.
• The right coverage — a provider that genuinely operates in your area. We deliver event security across London and the Home Counties (Surrey, Berkshire, Kent, Hertfordshire, Essex and Buckinghamshire).
• References or reviews — evidence they’ve done this before, for events like yours.

How much notice do you need to book security?

Sooner is better, but you have room to move. We can often take bookings with as little as 24 hours’ notice when officers are free — genuinely useful when a plan changes at the last minute. For anything larger or higher-risk, though, one to two weeks gives time to assess the risk, plan properly and match the right team to your event rather than just filling shifts.

Hiring a security guard with Shoreditch Security

Hiring well isn’t complicated once you know the steps: be clear on the role, get the numbers right, insist on verified SIA licences, agree costs in writing, and choose an insured, accountable provider.

As an SIA-licensed company working across London and the Home Counties, we can help you scope exactly what you need, supply vetted and licensed officers, and back it with £5 million of public liability cover. When you’re ready, get a quote or call us on 020 3960 7969 — we’ll reply with clear, practical advice, usually within a few hours.