When protest activity occurs at your venue, clear communication is critical. It allows you to support peaceful protestors while managing individuals who may pose a threat. Effective protest management involves not only your internal team but also coordination with emergency services and third parties.

Ensuring that everyone involved from security teams, to venue staff, to emergency services uses common terminology and protest management tactics can make a significant difference to both safety and compliance.

Below, we break down essential terminology, legal considerations, designated protest sites, and leadership roles to help your venue prepare.

The Spectrum of Protest

Protests are not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the spectrum of protestors helps you respond appropriately:

1. Supporters
   Supporters are individuals who advocate for a cause in everyday life. They may wear badges or t-shirts, host fundraisers, or display posters. Supporters are generally peaceful and not involved in direct protest activity.
2. Protestors
   Protestors are the visible crowd who assemble to express disagreement with an action or decision. Most protestors are peaceful, compliant, and easy to engage with.
3. Activists
   Activists are willing to commit crimes to amplify their message or disrupt business operations. Their actions are targeted but may cross legal boundaries.
4. Extremists
   Extremists act without concern for safety or legal consequences, potentially causing life-altering injury or death.

Identifying the 0.01%: Evidence shows that roughly 10% of protest crowds may be activists, and 10% of those activists may be extremists. Identifying this small group helps emergency services apply legitimate policing without disrupting peaceful protestors.

Legal Obligations: Human Rights Act

While the Human Rights Act applies only to public authorities, following its spirit can foster positive engagement with protestors. Applying principles of fairness and respect can enhance your venue’s reputation and lead to constructive relationships for future events.

Designated Protest Sites

Although peaceful protest can occur anywhere, establishing designated protest sites on private land can simplify management. These sites, agreed upon with police, help you:

• Plan for crowd capacity
• Understand landowner liabilities
• Navigate relevant legislation

Working with authorities in advance ensures your venue remains compliant while enabling protestors to exercise their rights safely.

Leadership Roles for Managing Protests

Effective protest management relies on clear leadership. Allocating your team into strategic, tactical, and operational roles ensures information flows efficiently and decisions are made in the right order.

Regular exercises and pre-agreed responsibilities help your leadership team respond quickly, minimise risk, and maintain order during protest activity.

Want to Learn More?

Halo Solutions is already helping events, venues, transport hubs and more manage protests safely and effectively. Discover how a digital incident management system can support your safety & security operations here: How a digital incident management system helps you to support and manage successful protests

Or learn more about policing powers in this handy Pocket Legislation Guide for UK Venues & Events