Bodyguards, now commonly known as personal protection or close protection officers (CPOs), protect individuals or groups from risk of violence or kidnapping, or any situation which could be harmful to the client. They work with a wide range of people including politicians, heads of industry, royalty, and TV, film and music celebrities. 

The work typically includes:

• protecting clients from threats, for example from terrorists, political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic fans
• checking out premises before clients arrive
• planning and research to identify and prevent potential threat or disruption
• keeping constantly alert to react to threatening situations 
• accompanying clients on business and social visits
• driving clients to and from venues.

Some CPOs specialise in residential security, making sure the client's premises are secure. Others may train to be chauffeurs specialising in defensive and evasive driving techniques.

Hours and Environment

As a close protection officer (CPO) you may have to work long shifts, offering 24-hour protection, and including evenings and weekends. You may work at indoor or outdoor venues such as conferences, political meetings and rallies, and corporate and social events. 

There is likely to be a lot of travel by car, train, and aeroplane, and you may have to spend time away from home, sometimes overseas.

Skills and Interests

To be a close protection officer you need:

• quick reactions
• the ability to work as member of a team, and also the confidence to act on your own initiative
• good powers of observation and the ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations
• discretion and commitment to client confidentiality
• the ability to remain calm under pressure
• the ability to adapt and improvise in response to situations
• good interpersonal skills
• decision-making and planning skills
• good written and verbal communication skills.

Entry

To be a close protection officer (CPO) you must be at least 18. Most CPOs have a background in the Armed Forces, police, prison services or martial arts, although this is not essential. 

You will need to be physically fit, with good eyesight and hearing and a presentable appearance. A driving licence is essential.

It may be useful if you have knowledge of one or more foreign languages. 

To work as a CPO in England and Wales you are legally required to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.  To get a licence you will need: 

• identity and criminal record checks
• an SIA approved Level 3 qualification in close protection
• a recognised first aid certificate. 

Three close protection qualifications have been approved by SIA. They are:

• Level 3 Certificate in Protective Security awarded by Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (BCUC)
• Level 3 BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations awarded by  Edexcel
• Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection awarded by City and Guilds.

Visit the SIA website for a list of training providers for each qualification. Course timetables and fees may vary, so you will need to check with individual training providers. 

The SIA website also has full details of the licencing process.

Training

If you have completed close protection training recognised by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the last three years, and have worked in a close protection role since completing your training, you will not have to do further training. However, you will have to take a knowledge test and a practical skills assessment.

Any of the following training 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 you should still consider attending a 24-hour Refresher Course, even if you are eligible for the knowledge test and assessment. This is because if you have trained in either a police or military environment you may find the terminology and procedures are different in civilian work. The Refresher Course will give you the best opportunity of passing the assessment.  Visit the SIA website (in Further Information below) for full details.

Once you are working in the protective security industry, you could do the Foundation Degree in Protective Security Management at Buckingham Chilterns University College (BCUC). The course provides an understanding of close protection issues as well as business management, operations planning, and threat and risk assessment. By completing a SIA-approved Close Protection qualification you will earn 15 credits towards the foundation degree. See Further Information for contact details for BCUC. 

Opportunities

Close protection officers (CPOs) are employed by state and private organisations as well as private individuals. CPOs working in the high risk, most highly-paid areas of the industry have usually been in the Special Forces or specialist police units.

Most CPOs are self-employed on long-term or short-term contracts, which can be anything from a few days to several years. Most contracts are negotiated by Close Protection companies and agencies, which are mainly based in London. They seldom advertise, usually employing CPOs with police or military, or by recommendation, so networking is vital. 

You may be able to specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security. With experience, you may be able to move into consultancy work.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Most close protection officers (CPOs) are self-employed. Salaries for employed posts depend on the client or company, the length of the contract, the officer's experience and the risks involved.

Daily rates for CPOs in low risk areas can be around £100 to £150 a day plus expenses.
CPOs with high levels of responsibility or working in high risk areas can earn up to and above £500 a day.

Further information

Customer Service Team
One90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7BH
Tel: 0870 240 9800 Tel: 020 7294 2800 Tel: 01494 605162 PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100