The work
Bodyguards, now commonly known as Personal Protection or
Close Protection Officers, protect individuals or groups from
risk of violence or kidnapping, or any situation deemed harmful
to the client. They work with a wide range of people including
Heads of State; politicians; celebrities from the world of
film, music and television; sports personalities; and heads of
industry. They need to work discreetly whilst offering full
cover.
The work includes protecting the client from threats of
physical violence; checking out premises before the client
arrives; accompanying the client on business and social visits;
and driving the client to and from venues. Threats to clients
could come from a range of sources including terrorist
organisations, political opponents, stalkers or
over-enthusiastic fans.
Some will specialise in residential security, ensuring the
client's premises are secure. Others may train to be chauffeurs
specialising in defensive and evasive driving. The aim is to
spot a potential threat or disruption before it happens, so
pre-operational planning and research are essential.
Although much of a CPO's time can involve periods of
inactivity, they must be in a constant state of readiness to
react if a threatening situation develops.
Hours and Environment
CPOs may have to work long shifts, covering 24-hour
protection, and working evenings and weekends. They might work
at indoor or outdoor venues such as conferences, political
meetings and rallies, corporate events, and social events.
They may have to travel frequently, spending long periods
travelling by car, train, and aeroplane. The work can involve
periods away from home, sometimes overseas, accompanying
clients on trips.
A driving licence is essential.
Skills and Interests
To be a bodyguard you should:
- be physically fit, with
good eyesight and hearing
- have quick
reactions
- be able to work as member
of a team, but also to have confidence to act on your own
initiative
- have good powers of
observation and be able to recognise potentially dangerous
situations
- have discretion and be
committed to client confidentiality
- be able to remain calm
under pressure, and to adapt and improvise as required in
response to situations
- have good interpersonal
skills
- have decision-making and
planning skills
- have good written and
verbal communication skills.
Entry
Our minimum age requirement is 21 years.
This is because of the nature of the work and the fact that the
role requires a certain level of maturity.
Freelance bodyguards need to operate via their own limited
company or be registered with the Inland Revenue as being self
employed.
Freelance bodyguards will be required to have their own
professional indemnity insurance.
All canddiates must be physically fit, highly presentable
and possess the necessary personal qualities. A background in
the Armed Forces, Police, Prison Services or Martial Arts is
very advantageous.
A full driving licence is essential.
Whilst there are no specific academic requirements or
minimum standard of education necessary, all candidates require
excellent interpersonal skills and must be able to deal
diplomatically in difficult situations.
Training
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Since 20 March 2006,
it has been a legal
requirement for all CPOs in England
and Wales (supplied under contract) to hold a
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
licence.
An SIA licence is not
required for in-house CPOs who are directly
employed and not supplied via an agency
or via a 3rd party security
firm.
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In order to
obtain an SIA licence you will need to show
that you are trained to the right level. This
applies to front-line staff
only.
In setting
standards for training we have taken into
account the changing roles of those already
employed in the industry and the requirements
for new skills and knowledge.
To get the
SIA qualification for Close Protection you will
need to attend a training course and take and
pass an exam.
Training is
delivered as follows:
Knowledge
and practical skills training (minimum 150
hours)
- Introduction to the roles and
responsibilities of the close protection
operative
- Threat
and risk assessment
- Surveillance awareness
- Operational planning
- Law and
legislation
- Interpersonal skills
- Close
protection team work
- Reconnaissance
- Close
protection foot techniques
- Route
selection
- Use of
close protection vehicle
techniques
- Search
awareness
- Incidents and dilemmas
- Venue
based security
- Communication and conflict management
skills
When applying
for your licence you will be required to
produce evidence that you have attained a
recognised first aid award. You should present
your valid first aid certificate to your
training provider before you start your
training. If you do not have a recognised first
aid award you will need to get one in order to
get your licence. This is in addition to the
minimum 150 hours knowledge and practical
skills training.
First aid
awards recognised by the SIA are:
- First
Aid at Work - 4 day course (HSE
approved)
- First
Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate Award -
30 hours (Edexcel / IHCD)
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If you have previously received formal close protection
training and are currently employed in an operational close
protection role you should take evidence of your training to an
approved training centre where it will be decided whether you
need to take the full 150 hours Close Protection course.
If you completed formal close protection training from the
organisations listed below since 1 January 2002, and have
remained in an operational close protection role, you will be
exempt from further training but will be required to take the
knowledge test and a practical skills assessment.
Any of the following will be recognised:
- Special Air Service Regiment Body Guard Course
- Royal Military Police Close Protection Course
- Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection/Special Branch
Close Protection Course
- Police National Close Protection Courses including
Northern Ireland
- Nemesis Group Close Protection Course
- Phoenix Close Protection Course.
The SIA strongly recommend that if you are eligible for
assessment only you should consider attending the 24-hour
Refresher Course. If you have trained in either a police or
military environment you may find the terminology and
procedures to be different in a civilian context, and the
Refresher Course will give you the best opportunity of passing
the assessment.
Full details of the licencing process are available from the
SIA and can be found on their website - see Further
Information.
Opportunities
Employers include state and private organisations as well as
private individuals. Those working for the state may be
specially trained police officers or military personnel, often
from the Royal Military Police or Special Forces.
The majority of CPOs are self-employed on long-term or
short-term contracts, which can be anything from a few days to
months.
A number of commercial firms and agencies offer close
protection services. They are mainly based in London and
usually employ CPOs who are ex-police or military, or who are
recommended - they seldom advertise.
There are opportunities to specialise in surveillance, driving,
residential security etc. There are also opportunities for more
experienced CPOs to move into consultancy work.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Most CPOs are self-employed. Salaries of employed posts depend
on the wealth of the client, their profile and the risks
involved.
Daily rates for CPOs are in the region of £150 to £200 per day
plus expenses.
New CPOs may earn around £18,000 a year.
Experienced CPOs can earn from around £25,000 to £30,000 a
year.
Experienced officers working internationally, or in high-risk
jobs may earn up to £100,000.
CPOs working overseas may earn more; those working on London
residence security may earn less.
Current Opportunities
PersonalBodyguard.com is an employment agency offering
temporary, contract and full time positions as personal
bodyguards.
Current vacancies, when available, will appear on this site
under the heading, "Vacancies".
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