Lesson 4: Awareness and Staff Training

4.1 Introduction to Terrorism Awareness Tools

Staff and volunteers at public venues and events play a frontline role in detecting threats and responding effectively. A baseline of awareness training is essential.

Recommended Tools:

• ACT Awareness e-learning. This is a free, government-approved, modular training resource covering threat awareness, suspicious item recognition and incident response.
• ProtectUK Resources – Toolkits and video-based learning scenarios.
• DSC Toolkits and Playbooks – Practical, context-specific resources for training, scenario walkthroughs and debriefing guides tailored to different sectors (these are included as Handouts with the Summary and Conclusion section of this course).

It is recommended that all staff complete ACT e-learning annually and review playbooks as part of team briefings.

4.2 Briefing Checklists and Communications Templates

Daily and event-specific briefings are a simple but powerful way to maintain vigilance. These should be:

• Delivered before every event shift or operational change
• Tailored to venue risks and staffing roles
• Logged to show compliance and awareness promotion

DSC Briefing Checklist Includes:

• Key contacts and roles
• Incident reporting protocols
• Suspicious item response procedure
• Emergency exits and muster points
• Media and public communication instructions

Communications Templates Include:

• “Welcome and Safety” scripts for stewards
• Emergency messages for PA systems
• Standard Holding Statements for media
• Staff ‘Bulk SMS’ / WhatsApp / Signal escalation guides

4.3 Scenario-Based Drills and Exercises

Training is most effective when it mimics real-world conditions. Drills help reinforce learning and uncover practical gaps in planning.

Suggested Formats:

• Table-top exercises with team leads (approx. 1 hour)
• Live drills for fire, evacuation, or lockdown procedures
• Walkthroughs for specific threats (e.g. suspicious item, hostile reconnaissance)

Playbooks provide:

• Sample scenarios
• Step-by-step response templates
• Evaluation and debrief notes
• Notes to ensure drills are documented and used to update future plans and training content

Handouts (will open in a new tab):

• RPT 4a Generic “Welcome and Safety” scripts for stewards
• RPT 4b Suggested Emergency messages for PA systems
• RPT 4c Suggested Standard Holding Statements for Media

In Lesson 5, we will explore how to begin drafting a Basic Security Plan for your venue or event, using standard templates and guidance.