Information & Support for Door Supervisors - National Doorwatch

Door Supervisors and Door Supervisor Companies got the chance to meet the man behind SIA, Bill Butler the CEO and find out first-hand just what's going on!

Bill Butler is so determined to get the message across in Derby he holds two meetings.

First and foremost National Doorwatch want to give a special mention to Jason Hollins the Chair of Derby Doorwatch, and the rest of his team for putting on a fantastic event.  They arranged a venue, buffet, raffle prizes, goodie bags, all at zero cost.  In fact they actually made a couple of quid for their doorwatch.  Their success was due to their passion and desire to do something positive.  They chased, cajoled, and pushed for sponsorship from thei bosses, the Police, the Council, their venues for sponsorship.  In essence they stepped up and they made a difference.

Meanwhile Bill Butler wasted no time once he arrived in getting to grips with the questions from the Door Companies leaders meeting.  This meeting meant they got to ask their questions on a range of topics which would have taken up precious time from the door supervisors.  Interestingly their were a lot of similarities, in the types of questions and the concerns raised.

A not so short break and the Door Supervisors meeting got underway.  A brief and informative introduction from Cheif Superintendent Andy Hough, was followed by an even briefer talk by Jason Hollins.  He outlined what Derby Doorwatch was, how it had started following the stabbing of a colleague, and why it was important it succeed.  Ian Fox then explained the purpose of National Doorwatch.  This was followed by a buffet and question gathering break.

Following on from the break Bill was subjected to over an hours questioning on a range of topics from why don't the SIA issue a reciept when they take your money as HMRC won't give back the money without it, to the level of training new starters are being given.  This remark from the treasurer H, got her the biggest round of applause of the night.  Along the way Bill explained why the licence cost was so high, what he is aiming to do with the new regime, and that enforcement will continue so make sure you have your badge.  Apparently it is highly likely there will be refresher training, but there is no confirmation when that will be introduced.  The send biggest cheer of the night when, probably the UK's only Doorman, who is also a magistrate, said Door Supervisors need more physical protection nowadays and it should be similar to the Police.

The questions then moved on to one man doors, and other issues concerning the way door supervisors felt they were being put in harms way by the licencee.  Inspector Steve Fairbrother followed up on his talk to confirm he would be looking at this with fresh eyes.  He wanted Door Supervisors to tell him what was going on or he wouldn't know it was happening.  Bill Butler echoed this sentiment, and in the next article you can read about National Doorwatches campaign to end the practice of one-man doors.

Raffle was done, and Bill stayed for at least another half an hour answering questions from those who wanted answers.