Information & Support for Door Supervisors - National Doorwatch

A look at what Bridging the Gap is aiming to provide and how in some ares - these aims are falling short.

Is the Bridging the Gap initiative providing all the opportunities it should?

Let’s get one thing absolutely clear – the Bridging the Gap (BTG) initiative is one of the best youth programs to be initiated in years.  The principles, on which this programme was founded, are credit to all involved in its conception; especially the BSIA and West Hertfordshire College.  The students involved are being given the opportunity to learn people skills that will last them a lifetime.  These skills will also provide them with an option to gain employment in a sector that is one of the most diverse and inclusive sectors in the UK.  Unfortunately what has become apparent to those delivering the BTG project, is the fact that it is far from inclusive.

First of all many young people have no forms of photographic ID; as a consequence they are automatically barred from the BTG programme.  This segment of our society is almost certainly the one, where the candidates would get the maximum benefit from being involved.  Secondly the physical requirement of the Door Supervision course prevents disabled people being able to participate fully in the Olympic experience. They can of course be trained as CCTV operators where it will appear they are being hidden from view.  Consequently, we are actually going to be excluding people with disabilities from the Para-Olympics. 

Given that the games are being given dispensation by the Government from the need to purchase an individual licence (£220pp); surely it would be possible for a further dispensation to people with disabilities.  For example their certificate could allow them to work in the actual stadiums.  This would make it clear to the world that we value all our citizens.  As the lead contractor G4S is the only private company benefitting directly from the taxpayer funded BTG programme.  At present they are conducting an extremely worthy campaign to raise disability awareness.  They are symbolically passing the disability awareness baton around the UK.  Therefore this could be a perfect opportunity to make their aspirations a reality.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, is the quality of training.  Senior sources and contacts around the country are beginning to express concern at the pressure trainers are being put under to deliver the training in less than the time mandated by the SIA.  The SIA require the training to be delivered in 30hrs of direct contact, with a further 7.5hrs as guided learning hours.  Preferably this should be done of 5days to ensure the best possible outcomes both theoretically and especially practically from a Health & Safety point of view.  In reality the absolute minimum this training should be carried out in, is 4days.  (Note: Street Pastors receive 16days training) 

Any organisation allowing this training to be completed in three 10 hour days is placing the student, and by default the general public at risk.  Inevitably in the event of any catastrophic incident where young people are involved, the providing organisation will be subject to intense scrutiny.  It would be difficult to see what excuses could be offered by any organisations, which either operated, allowed, or effectively condoned such high risk practices.  It may well be worth those in charge of these organisations, taking legal advice as to their potential liabilites - financial and personal.  Our advice is that it is quite possible, dependent on the severity of the incident, individuals througout the chain, could face imprisonment under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2006.

In conclusion, we need to make the most of this fantastic opportunity for our young people.  We should make some reasonable adjustments, so that the Olympics are fully reflect the inclusive and diverse nature of our culture.  Moreover we have to get the message across to our trainers and their employers that the BTG programme needs to be delivered in a manner that offers the utmost protection to the safety of the student and the general public.