Security & visitor services department

The Security & Visitor Services Department aim to make your visit to the V&A enjoyable and inspirational. We seek to provide optimum access to the collections and exhibitions, whilst at all times ensuring the safety and security of our visitors, staff and collections.

The department consists of three teams Visitor Services, Security and Safety

Visitor services

The Visitor Services team is here to ensure that you are inspired by your visit to the V&A. We want to help you make the most of all the facilities and services the museum has to offer.

Our Gallery Assistants are here to answer your questions about anything you might need to know from information about the collections and exhibitions, to where to store you coats or pick up a guided tour.

We can recommend all kinds of activities to help you plan the perfect day, to see something special, to sample some great refreshments and to take home a great souvenir.

Ask us! We’re here to help.

Security

The V&A Security team works closely with our private security providers to ensure the security of our visitors, staff and collection, twenty four hours a day.

The team use uniformed and plain clothed officers supported by our web of modern security systems, to ensure that you are provided with discreet effective security during your visit.

The Security team are working closely with other local museums and partners including the police to co-ordinate our security and emergency response.

If you see anything suspicious in the museum please report it to a Security Officer, Gallery Assistant or any member of the V&A staff.

Safety

The Safety team provides professional advice to the museum, and assists in ensuring the health and safety of staff and visitors to the museum.

We work closely with curators and conservation teams to identify potential hazards, and assist with ‘designing in’ safety to exhibitions and displays.

We keep abreast of new safety legislation and advise the museum when change is required. We use our professional skills to assist and train other professionals. We run the Institution of Safety & Health's (IOSH) 'Managing safely' course. Adapted primarily for those employed in the museum and heritage sector, but also open to some members of the public.