Visitor Management — Local Government Edition
A structured process for welcoming, registering, monitoring, and signing out visitors to ensure security, compliance, and a professional experience for all guests.
Purpose
To maintain premises security by tracking who is on-site at all times, ensure visitors receive a professional and safe experience, and satisfy regulatory and insurance requirements for visitor records.
Scope
Covers all non-employee visitors including ratepayers, contractors, delivery personnel, and guests. Applies from arrival through departure. Does not cover employee access management, which is handled by the Key and Access Management SOP.
Prerequisites
- Visitor sign-in system or registration book at the reception point
- Visitor badges or passes available for issue
- Visitor policy communicated to all staff
- Emergency evacuation information available for visitor orientation
Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Pre-Register Expected Visitors
Staff expecting visitors should pre-register them in the visitor management system to streamline the arrival process and ensure the front desk is prepared.
- 1.1Enter visitor details into the visitor management system at least 24 hours in advance
- 1.2Include the visitor name, council, purpose of visit, and expected arrival time
- 1.3Note any special requirements such as accessibility needs or security clearances
Greet and Register the Visitor on Arrival
Welcome the visitor at reception, verify their identity, register their visit, and issue a visitor badge.
- 2.1Greet the visitor professionally and ask for their name and the person they are visiting
- 2.2Verify their identity against a government-issued ID if required by policy
- 2.3Complete the visitor registration including name, council, host, and purpose
- 2.4Issue a visitor badge to be worn visibly at all times
- Offer the visitor a seat and a beverage while they wait for their host
Provide a Safety Orientation
Brief the visitor on essential safety information including emergency exits, assembly points, and any site-specific rules or restrictions.
- 3.1Point out the nearest emergency exit and assembly point
- 3.2Explain any restricted areas or site-specific safety rules
- 3.3Provide a visitor information card or sheet if available
Notify the Host
Contact the host to inform them their visitor has arrived and is waiting at reception.
- 4.1Call or message the host to notify them of their visitor arrival
- 4.2Confirm the host is available and will come to reception
- 4.3If the host is unavailable, arrange an alternative escort or reschedule
Escort the Visitor to Their Destination
The host or a designated staff member escorts the visitor from reception to the meeting area or work location.
- 5.1The host collects the visitor from reception personally
- 5.2Escort the visitor through the premises to the designated area
- 5.3Point out restroom locations and common areas along the way
- Visitors should never be left unaccompanied in secure areas
Monitor Visitor Activity
Ensure the visitor remains in authorized areas and is accompanied as required throughout their visit.
- 6.1The host is responsible for their visitor throughout the entire visit
- 6.2If the visitor needs to move to a different area, the host or a delegate accompanies them
- 6.3Report any visitor found in an unauthorized area to security or management
Sign Out the Visitor
When the visit concludes, escort the visitor back to reception, collect the visitor badge, and record the departure time in the visitor log.
- 7.1Escort the visitor back to reception
- 7.2Collect the visitor badge and any temporary access cards
- 7.3Record the departure time in the visitor management system
Review and Maintain Visitor Records
Periodically review visitor logs for completeness, compliance, and any security patterns. Archive records according to the retention policy.
- 8.1Review visitor logs weekly for completeness and anomalies
- 8.2Ensure all visitors signed out — follow up on any open records
- 8.3Archive visitor records according to the data retention policy
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Percentage of visitors properly registered before accessing the premises, targeting 100%.
Percentage of visitor badges returned at departure, targeting 100%.
Feedback from visitors on their experience, measured through occasional surveys, targeting positive ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should visitor records be retained?
Visitor records should be retained according to your organization's data retention policy, typically 12 months for standard visits and longer for contractor or compliance-related visits.
Should delivery drivers follow the same visitor process?
Delivery drivers should sign in and out but may follow a simplified process. They should be directed to the receiving area and should not access other parts of the building unescorted.
What happens if a visitor loses their badge during the visit?
Issue a replacement badge and note the lost badge in the visitor log. If the lost badge could provide unauthorized access, notify security to deactivate it if applicable.
What if a visitor refuses to provide identification?
Politely explain that identification is required by security policy. If the visitor still refuses, they cannot be admitted. Notify the host and offer to arrange an alternative meeting location.
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