The Importance of Keeping Up with Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) in Event Security

When it comes to public safety, the security industry carries a unique responsibility—especially in the world of event security. Concerts, sporting events, festivals, and conferences draw large numbers of people into concentrated spaces, creating an environment that demands not only effective crowd management but also proactive protection against more serious threats.

One of the most pressing concerns in modern event security is the risk of terrorism.

While incidents are thankfully rare, their potential impact is devastating. That’s why the UK government launched Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), an initiative designed to help businesses, venues, and security professionals recognise, respond to, and reduce the risk of terrorist activity.

For security professionals working at events, keeping up with ACT isn’t optional—it’s essential. This blog explores why ACT awareness is so important, how it benefits event security, and the steps professionals can take to ensure they remain up to date with the latest counter-terrorism practices.

What is Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)?

Action Counters Terrorism is a national counter-terrorism campaign led by UK Counter Terrorism Policing. Its goal is to encourage vigilance, increase awareness, and provide practical training to help individuals and organisations contribute to keeping the public safe.

At the heart of ACT is the belief that terrorism prevention is not the sole responsibility of law enforcement or intelligence services. Instead, everyone has a role to play—from business owners and employees to members of the public.

For the security industry, and especially for event security teams, ACT provides structured knowledge and tools to:

• Recognise suspicious behaviour.

• Identify potential threats such as unattended items or hostile reconnaissance.

• Report concerns quickly and effectively to the right authorities.

• Respond confidently in the event of an incident.

  
  

The most accessible element of the campaign is the ACT Awareness e-learning course, a free training programme available to businesses and individuals across the UK.

Why ACT Matters in Event Security

1. Protecting Crowded Spaces

Events by nature bring together large crowds in limited spaces, making them potential targets for those seeking to cause harm. A single missed warning sign can have catastrophic consequences. ACT equips event security staff with the ability to spot unusual behaviour, recognise vulnerabilities, and act before a situation escalates.

For example, something as simple as noticing a person loitering near entry points, repeatedly checking timings, or taking an unusual interest in security measures could be the 

2. Meeting Client and Stakeholder Expectations

Event organisers, promoters, and venues expect their security partners to deliver more than just visible presence. They want assurance that security staff are trained to the highest standards, including counter-terrorism readiness.

By keeping up with ACT, security providers can demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and reassure clients that their teams are capable of handling not only everyday incidents but also extraordinary threats. This not only strengthens client trust but also enhances a company’s reputation in a competitive industry.

3. Building Staff Confidence and Competence

Uncertainty can lead to hesitation, and hesitation can cost lives. ACT training provides event security teams with clear, practical guidance on how to act in suspicious situations—whether it’s dealing with unattended baggage, hostile behaviour, or receiving intelligence of a potential threat.

When staff know exactly what to do, they act with greater confidence and authority, which in turn reassures the public and strengthens overall event safety.

4. Fulfilling Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Security companies and event organisers have a legal duty of care to protect staff and visitors. If a terrorist incident were to occur and it emerged that security staff had not received appropriate training, the legal and reputational consequences could be severe.

Keeping up with ACT ensures that event security teams align with national counter-terrorism strategies and industry expectations, significantly reducing the risk of liability. Beyond the legal aspect, there is also an ethical responsibility to do everything possible to safeguard lives.

5. Encouraging a Culture of Vigilance

Terrorism prevention doesn’t fall solely on security staff. ACT training encourages a culture of vigilance that extends beyond security teams to include event staff, contractors, and even attendees. By raising awareness across all levels of an event, the chances of identifying and reporting suspicious activity increase significantly.

This collective approach strengthens resilience, making it harder for hostile actors to go unnoticed.

How Event Security Teams Can Keep Up with ACT

1. Complete ACT Awareness Training

The ACT Awareness e-learning course is the simplest way for event security professionals to stay updated. It covers essential topics such as recognising suspicious behaviour, responding to security alerts, and understanding the national threat landscape. It’s free, widely accessible, and takes around 45 minutes to complete.

2. Take Advantage of ACT Security Training (ACT-ST)

For those working in more sensitive environments, ACT Security Training (ACT-ST) offers advanced learning tailored to private security industry professionals. This training goes beyond the basics, helping security teams develop a deeper understanding of hostile reconnaissance, risk assessment, and incident response.

3. Regular Refresher Sessions

Terrorism threats evolve, and so should training. Security managers should build refresher training sessions into their schedules to ensure that staff don’t just complete ACT once but remain sharp and up to date with the latest practices.

4. Pre-Event Security Briefings

ACT should form part of every event security briefing. A quick reminder of what to look out for, how to report concerns, and who to contact reinforces awareness just before staff begin their duties.

5. Collaboration with Local Authorities

Building relationships with Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) and local police enhances preparedness. These partnerships provide valuable insights into current risks, best practices, and emergency procedures tailored to specific venues and events.

The Business Angle: Why ACT Awareness Benefits Event Security Businesses

For security companies operating in the events sector, ACT training is not only a practical necessity but also a powerful marketing tool. Promoting ACT-trained staff as part of your business offering can:

• Differentiate your services from competitors.

• Increase client confidence when bidding for event contracts.

• Demonstrate compliance with industry standards.

  
  

Clients are increasingly searching for providers who can demonstrate both visible deterrence and hidden preparedness. ACT gives security businesses a credible way to showcase both.

Final Thoughts

Event security is about far more than managing crowds and preventing disorder—it’s about creating a safe, controlled environment where people can enjoy themselves without fear. The Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) initiative provides event security professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to achieve this.

By staying up to date with ACT awareness, security staff are not only protecting lives but also strengthening their industry credibility, fulfilling legal obligations, and supporting national efforts to counter terrorism.

In the security industry, vigilance saves lives. ACT training isn’t just another box to tick—it’s a core responsibility for every professional committed to safeguarding events and the people who attend them.