Bodyguard/ Close Protection Officer
What is the work like?
Bodyguards, now often 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 them.
As a bodyguard, your clients could include politicians, heads of industry, TV, film and music celebrities, and royalty. Your work would typically include:
- protecting clients from threats, for example 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.
You could specialise in residential security, making sure your client's premises are secure. Alternatively, you could train to be a chauffeur specialising in defensive and evasive driving techniques.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You must be at least 18, and would 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 required by law 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.
The following close protection qualifications have been approved by SIA:
- Level 3 Certificate in Protective Security, awarded by Buckinghamshire New University
- 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 would need to check with individual training providers.
The SIA website also has full details of the licensing process.
Most CPOs have a background in the Armed Forces, police, prison services or martial arts, although this is not essential. To work in the high risk, most highly-paid areas of the industry you will usually need to have been in the Special Forces or specialist police units.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in close protection, you could do the Foundation Degree in Protective Security Management at Buckingham New University. Your SIA-approved close protection qualification will give you credits towards the Foundation Degree.
You will need to renew your licence every three years. At present, you do not need to do refresher training or complete a new qualification before renewing your licence. See the SIA website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 01494 605162Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Most close protection officers (CPOs) are self-employed. Earnings 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 plus expenses.
- CPOs with high levels of responsibility, or working in high risk areas, can earn up to and above £500 a day.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You may have to work long shifts including evenings and weekends, to offer 24-hour protection. 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, and you may have to spend time away from home, sometimes overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- quick reactions
- the ability to work as a member of a team, and also the confidence to act on your own initiative
- good powers of observation
- the ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations
- discretion and commitment to client confidentiality
- calmness under pressure
- the ability to adapt and improvise in response to situations
- decision-making and planning skills
- good written and spoken communication skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for state and private organisations, as well as private individuals.
You would usually be self-employed on long- 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.
Networking is vitalbecause close protection companies and agencies seldom advertise, usually employing CPOs with police or military experience, or by recommendation.
You may be able to specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security. With experience, you could move into consultancy work.
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