Testing and Exercising
Written by:
Ted Whyte
Published Date:
01 November 2025
Testing and Exercises: The Importance
What is Testing and Exercising?
Testing and exercises are structured activities designed to assess, practice, and improve an organisation’s preparedness for various scenarios, including security threats, emergencies, and operational challenges. They help ensure that incident response plans, security measures, and staff training are effective in real-world situations.
What are the types?
- Tabletop Exercises – Discussion-based sessions where teams walk through emergency scenarios to assess their response plans and decision-making.
- Drills – Practical, small-scale activities that test specific procedures, such as an evacuation drill or security screening process.
- Functional Exercises – Hands-on simulations that involve multiple teams working through a realistic scenario in real-time, such as responding to a suspicious package or managing crowd control.
- Full-Scale Exercises – Large-scale, coordinated simulations that involve multiple stakeholders (e.g., security teams, emergency services, venue staff) to test full emergency response capabilities.
- Live Testing – Real-world assessments of security measures, such as penetration testing (checking for vulnerabilities in access control) or unannounced security audits.
Why is Testing and Exercises Important?
- Identify Weaknesses – Helps uncover gaps in security protocols and response plans.
- Improve Staff Readiness – Ensures staff know their roles and can react quickly and effectively in emergencies.
- Enhance Communication – Strengthens coordination between teams, departments, and external emergency responders.
- Boost Confidence – Provides hands-on experience, so staff feel more prepared to handle real incidents.
- Meet Compliance & Legal Requirements – Many industries require regular testing to maintain security standards.
Benefits of Conducting Testing and Exercises:
Enhance staff readiness and confidence
When an emergency strikes, every second counts. Staff who have practiced handling different incidents are more likely to stay calm and act decisively. Exercises help them understand their roles, ensuring faster and more efficient responses.
Identifies weaknesses before a crisis happens
A plan is only effective if it works in real-world conditions. Testing helps uncover gaps in security protocols, evacuation routes, or communication systems—allowing venues to fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Improves coordination between teams and people
Emergencies require seamless teamwork between security personnel, event staff, emergency responders, and law enforcement. Exercises strengthen collaboration by clarifying roles, improving communication, and ensuring everyone knows how to act together.
Reduces risk and liability
Failing to prepare can lead to devastating consequences, including injuries, reputational damage, and legal liability. Regular drills reduce risks and demonstrate that a venue is taking proactive measures to protect its visitors.
Builds public trust and confidence
Visitors feel safer when they know a venue prioritizes security. Regular preparedness exercises show a commitment to safety, enhancing the public’s trust and making the venue more attractive for future events.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations
Many industries and governing bodies require venues to conduct safety drills and maintain emergency preparedness plans. Regular testing ensures compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
Conclusion
Regular testing and exercises are essential for ensuring that venues and events are fully prepared to handle security threats, emergencies, and unexpected incidents. Without practice, even the best plans can fall apart under pressure. By running tabletop exercises, live drills, and full-scale simulations, venues can identify weaknesses, improve response times, and ensure staff know exactly what to do when it matters most.
Investing in preparedness not only enhances safety but also builds confidence among staff and reassures guests that they are in a secure environment. Protected Spaces specialises in designing and delivering tailored testing and training programs to help venues stay ahead of risks. Get in touch today to strengthen your security measures and ensure your team is ready for any challenge.
About the Author
Ted Whyte has over 10 years of experience working with a variety of public venues and events across the UK and internationally. Specialising in protective security and incident response, Ted has helped organizations develop effective training programs that enhance staff preparedness and ensure smooth operations in high-pressure environments. His expertise lies in tailoring security training strategies to the unique challenges of each venue or event, ensuring both safety and exceptional guest experiences.
