Volunteers are an essential part of many UK events. They help keep things organised and enjoyable from community festivals to charity runs. However, regarding security, there are strict rules about what volunteers can and cannot do.
This article explains those rules, including what counts as licensable activity, and how organisers can avoid legal problems by assigning the right tasks.
When Is a Licence Required?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates private security roles in the UK. Its licensing system applies to anyone guarding people or property as part of a paid contract.
Volunteers usually don’t fall under this definition, but only if they meet certain conditions.
A volunteer must:
- Not be paid.
- Not receive rewards or perks.s
- Not carry out licensable activities.
If a person performs licensable duties without a valid SIA licence, even once, they and the organiser could face legal action.
What Volunteers Can Do
Volunteers can carry out helpful, low-risk duties that don’t involve enforcing rules or protecting assets.
Non-licensable volunteer roles include:
- Giving directions to toilets, exits or food stalls
- Helping attendees find their seats or viewing areas
- Supporting crowd movement at busy paths or gates
- Assisting with evacuations (without managing or directing)
- Pointing people to first aid or lost property
- Answering general questions from guests
These support tasks improve the event experience but do not involve security control or enforcement, so they are suitable for volunteers.
What Volunteers Cannot Do
Even if someone is unpaid, they cross into licensable territory once they take on specific tasks.
Tasks volunteers must not perform:
- Denying entry to people without valid tickets or wristbands
- Ejecting guests from the venue
- Searching bags, pockets, or clothing
- Monitoring live footage from CCTV, drones, or bodycams
- Protecting property, performers, or restricted areas
- Managing or breaking up incidents
If a volunteer performs even one licensable task, they may be classed as carrying out a regulated role, and a licence would be legally required.
The Problem with Rewards
Some organisers offer small “thank you” gifts, but these can cause legal issues.
According to HMRC and SIA guidance, any benefit that could be seen as a reward may change the volunteer’s legal status.
Acceptable items include:
- A sandwich or a packed lunch during the shift.
- Petrol money or bus fare reimbursement.
- Parking passes for the day.
Items that may count as payment:
- Free tickets for friends or family
- Branded merchandise like T-shirts or mugs
- VIP or backstage access
- Meal vouchers or premium food options
- Discounts for future events
If there’s any doubt, assume the benefit could be seen as payment. This means the person may no longer be considered a volunteer under the law.
Why This Matters for Event Organisers
Using volunteers for tasks that would otherwise require a licensed worker is tempting, especially when budgets are tight. But this can lead to serious consequences.
Risks include:
- Prosecution of the volunteer
- Fines or enforcement action for organisers
- Invalidated insurance policies
- Damaged reputation or loss of trust
- Compromised event safety and professionalism
Tips for Staying Compliant
✅ Write clear, simple role descriptions for every volunteer
✅ Assign tasks that are supportive,not controlling
✅ Avoid giving anything that could be seen as a reward
✅ Train volunteers on how to assist without enforcing rules
✅ Monitor volunteer activities during the event
✅ Keep a record of all volunteer roles and duties
Summary: Stay Legal, Stay Safe
Volunteers play a valuable role at UK events — but there are strict boundaries. If organisers ask volunteers to take on security tasks or offer rewards, they may accidentally turn a support role into a licensable position.
To avoid trouble, keep roles clear, unpaid, and non-enforcing. This will keep your event legal and let volunteers support your team in the right way.
