09 Nov, 2021
SIA: search for a training provider
Thinking of a career in the security industry? You can use the SIA’s new ‘Search for a Training Provider’ tool…
Careers
The various sectors of the security industry offer a huge range of job roles that are particularly suitable for ex-Forces personnel – and a close protection career in particular could well be your perfect next step. Read on to find out how to become a close protection officer …
Close Protection (CP) work has traditionally been associated with reducing risk to an individual or family who are considered to be under threat of attack or kidnap. However, the role of CP can extend to many other tasks. Depending on the level of risk, a CP team can vary in size from one or two members to a fully equipped team who can provide residential/hotel security, security advance parties (SAP) and protection during moves by vehicle or on foot. It is crucial that the team leader or operator can assess the risk and recommend the required level of security, commensurate with the perceived threat.
A Close Protection team provides physical personal security by a bodyguard or bodyguards to a person (principal/protectee) or a group of people at risk of harassment, harm, or attack. The aim of close protection is to prevent injury, loss, damage, or death. Principals are often celebrities, wealthy individuals, CEOs, royalty, and heads of state.
In addition to the traditional roles, there are several other tasks that a close protection operative may undertake for their principal. These tasks include surveillance awareness, search procedures, venue security, route planning, reconnaissance, journey management, and terror threat awareness. It’s also worth noting that private close protection operatives in the UK cannot be armed1. Firearms in the UK are banned and illegal.
In the Close Protection (CP) industry, roles are diverse and extend beyond traditional terms such as bodyguarding, private security detail (PSD), executive protection, residence security team, and personal protection officers. These roles encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including threat assessment, risk management, and emergency response, all aimed at ensuring the safety of individuals or groups at risk. The industry offers a multitude of opportunities, each requiring a unique set of skills and competencies, making it a dynamic and challenging field. We take a look at just some of the many and varied options here …
Asset protection is a crucial aspect of Close Protection (CP), where the assets can range from high-value items like jewellery, aircraft, or even horses. Close Protection Operatives (CPOs) are frequently employed to safeguard these assets, which could involve protecting the item itself or the individual associated with the item, such as a model wearing loaned jewellery for a photoshoot. The owning company’s primary concern is the asset’s security and its safe return post-use. The duration of such assignments can vary, potentially spanning from a few hours to several days, depending on the asset’s nature and the associated risk.
Lifestyle management companies cater to the unique needs of busy individuals. These services range from providing an extra pair of hands for daily business tasks to offering more comprehensive lifestyle support, including security and concierge services. Many business professionals lead hectic lives, often involving extensive travel for work and personal reasons, leaving them with little personal time. Competent and well-trained Close Protection Officers (CPOs), equipped with strong organisational and negotiation skills, can help alleviate these minor burdens, allowing these individuals to focus on more critical matters.
There are ample opportunities for skilled professionals who possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a presentable demeanor, and a knack for solving everyday problems. For some clients, the primary concern when traveling abroad is the management of travel and transport arrangements, often overlooking personal security and safety. These professionals are adept at handling such matters, which are second nature to trained Close Protection (CP) personnel, and seamlessly integrate with personal security needs.
Interestingly, many individuals are not in search of a CPO, but rather a concierge or personal assistant. However, if this individual can also address their security and safety needs simultaneously, without giving the impression of having a protection officer, it becomes a significant advantage. It’s important to remember that while you might not be employed as a security operator, you may be expected to assume the role of one, in addition to that of a personal assistant, concierge, chauffeur, etc. Being a qualified CPO can add immense value to someone who may not have initially considered personal security.
Numerous companies specialize in comprehensive household management services, encompassing a wide array of offerings from chauffeuring and gardening to security and butler services. By presenting a well-rounded CV that showcases a variety of skills, individuals with CP training can unlock a multitude of opportunities within these companies. Such opportunities may include roles such as personal safety and security manager or positions within permanent or temporary residential security teams.
Recognizing the need for service expansion, many chauffeuring companies now offer security chauffeuring in conjunction with personal protection services, often known as individual bodyguard (IBG) services. This growing market presents new employment opportunities for CPOs in both hostile and executive environments. By acquiring driving qualifications, particularly those related to advanced and security-focused driving, CPOs can further broaden their career prospects.
The versatility of Close Protection Officers (CPOs) allows them to work in a variety of settings, including sporting venues, large hotels, and even national infrastructure. This diversity of environments presents numerous opportunities, particularly in security management and supervisory roles. Additional qualifications, such as project management, can further enhance a CPO’s employability. Some individuals with CP training have found roles in overseas government agencies, managing teams of court security officers, providing training in legislation and conflict management, and serving as technical advisors for CCTV and access systems. They also conduct practical exercises in threat and surveillance awareness. Additionally, CPOs often contribute to the security design of buildings, structures, and strategies, further demonstrating their multifaceted skill set.
Expeditions are undertaken for a variety of reasons, from media and television crews to oil exploration teams. Multinational retail organizations often embark on global journeys in search of unique products for their stores, which can lead representatives into remote, hostile, and hazardous environments as part of their work. This necessitates a certain degree of security. The scale of the security team can vary depending on the level of risk, with roles potentially being fulfilled by an individual or a small team, rather than large-scale units.
Media crews, whether they’re working on documentaries, news coverage, or major sporting events, often require a significant degree of security. This is not only for their personal safety but also to safeguard the high-value equipment they use, which can be worth a substantial amount. These professionals may find themselves working in a variety of potentially hazardous environments, both in the UK and globally, under short-term or long-term contracts. Depending on their training and expertise, they might also be tasked with providing medical support and coordination. This comprehensive approach ensures the smooth operation of media activities across diverse settings.
Security guards are commonly employed by various companies to safeguard vacant properties and premises. However, individuals possessing a CP licence are particularly appealing to employers due to their specialized training. In some instances, newly certified CPOs have been known to earn over £200 per day. There are also opportunities for long-term contracts lasting up to 18 months, based on a six-day work week. Such arrangements offer not only substantial income and stability but also invaluable experience that enhances their professional portfolio.
Being a certified and/or experienced Close Protection Officer (CPO) doesn’t necessarily equate to being a trained surveillance operator. However, many companies often seek out such individuals to contribute to or join their surveillance teams. While these roles typically go to those with specific training and experience in surveillance, the possibility of working in surveillance and investigative roles is not excluded. By acquiring further qualifications in surveillance and/or professional investigations, one can explore a wider range of employment opportunities.
Certain Close Protection Officers (CPOs) often progress into broader managerial positions within the security sector. Their expertise in Close Protection is deemed highly valuable by employers. Even when not explicitly seeking a CPO, these employers acknowledge the invaluable skills and knowledge that accompany such advanced training. This recognition often leads to opportunities in management roles within the industry.
In more unique roles, some individuals work with the National Health Service (NHS) to provide protective security for individuals with mental health disorders or learning difficulties. In these roles, operators serve as discreet protection officers, ensuring the safety of these individuals as they carry out their daily activities. This involves safeguarding them from potential harm while maintaining a low-profile presence.
Individuals transitioning from the armed forces often bring a wealth of transferable skills that are highly beneficial in a career in close protection. These include situational awareness, discipline, professionalism, physical fitness, decision-making, problem-solving, communication skills, first aid and emergency response training, teamwork, integrity, and trustworthiness. Military personnel are trained to be aware of their surroundings, anticipate potential threats, maintain a professional demeanor, and make quick, effective decisions under pressure. They also possess strong communication skills, are often trained in first aid and emergency response, and are accustomed to working closely with others to achieve common goals. Furthermore, the military instills a high level of integrity and trustworthiness, which is crucial in close protection where the client must be able to trust their protection officer implicitly. These skills, coupled with the adaptability and resilience often developed through military service, lay a strong foundation for a successful career in close protection.
Close Protection Officers (CPOs) in high demand often come from a Special Forces or military background, where they have accumulated years of experience. These professionals are particularly sought after for contracts that necessitate the use of firearms and for assignments in high-risk countries, where local knowledge and the capacity to operate independently are essential. However, it’s not impossible for individuals without this background to ascend to this level. They would need to build their reputation as part of a UK-based team, typically starting with more routine contracts where they can demonstrate their skills, reliability, and professionalism. These contracts often provide networking opportunities that can lead to more challenging and interesting tasks.
To become a Close Protection Officer (CPO), you need to obtain the SIA Close Protection Licence, which permits you to work legally as a CPO or bodyguard in the UK. This licence is required for those guarding one or more individuals against assault or injuries that might be suffered due to the unlawful conduct of others. The licensing process includes a criminal records check, and operating without the correct licence is a criminal offence. You can find comprehensive details about licence types, licensable roles and activities (including Close Protection) on the SIA website.
In today’s world, the role of a CPO extends beyond simply providing protection from attackers. Many roles now seek a range of additional qualifications and experiences that a grounding in close protection can provide. Gaining additional qualifications in health and safety, as well as enhanced medical qualifications such as Medicine in Remote Areas (MIRA), endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons, can make you more attractive to both employers and clients.
Furthermore, consider enhancing your skills and knowledge in other areas. For instance, project management qualifications (like PRINCE2 or equivalent), risk management qualifications, or even training qualifications such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training6, and Certificate for Deliverers of Conflict Management. These qualifications can promote you as a highly skilled, diverse, and employable security professional. They enable you to demonstrate to potential employers that you have more than an SIA licence and that you have invested in yourself and developed beyond the general baseline of industry requirements.
Threat assessment, forward planning and anticipation of the unexpected are important aspects of all planning, and administration and logistics are among the most critical aspects of the task once the aim has been established. The principles of prior preparation and planning practised in the military provide a sound background for all CP tasks. The ability to communicate easily with the client, sound general knowledge and an awareness of current affairs are invaluable assets, as is a quiet sense of humour.
Entering the close protection (CP) industry requires careful consideration of the training course you choose. The quality and reputation of the instructors are crucial, as being trained by a recognized expert can be advantageous. However, bear in mind that reputable trainers won’t automatically pass all attendees, which is an important factor to consider before investing in costly courses.
The course content is another significant aspect to evaluate. For instance, the necessity of firearms training can be debated. In most CP tasks, firearms aren’t carried, and few countries permit non-military/police personnel to carry firearms. Typically, only those with operational weapon handling experience are engaged in contracts where a weapon might be necessary for client protection. If firearms carriage is required, even experienced operators will need refresher training with the specific weapon before operational deployment.
Newly qualified CP operators can expect most work to be relatively low-risk tasks in the UK or similar environments. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider course content and seek advice on the training that best suits your background and expectations. Online networking and forum sites, such as CP World, can provide advice from others in the sector.
There are numerous courses available that offer directly applicable training, as well as courses that provide invaluable background/supporting information and skills, which potential employers may value.
CLOSE PROTECTION APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeship opportunities are increasing in this sector and may typically cover areas such as static guarding, patrol guarding, reception duties, retail security and operating/studying CCTV. Apprenticeships are also likely to incorporate how to handle key data, such as hard-copy documents, and how to keep accurate records. As a workplace apprentice, you are likely to find it easier to progress to a much higher (perhaps managerial) role within the company.
Use your favourite search engine to find out more, or click here to browse options near you.
As of 1 April 2022, the SIA implemented an updated close protection qualification for those new to the sector. This updated qualification introduces four new units, covering:
In addition, the existing units that delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of working as a close protection operative have been refreshed.
Starting from October 2022, the SIA introduced top-up training for close protection operatives applying to renew their SIA licence. This training is designed to be completed in five days.
As of 2024, these changes are still in effect. For more information about the current training requirements for an SIA licence, please visit the official SIA website.Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on this website.
Furthermore, on a personal level it provides self-confidence, diplomacy and interpersonal skills, improves organisational and planning abilities, and instils an ability to see the bigger picture and understand strategic viewpoints. In addition, experienced CPOs will openly state that they are able to relate to and liaise with people on different levels, from those lower down in the security industry to the movers, shakers and decision-makers higher up, not afraid to offer well-thought-out and structured answers, or act as the ‘voice of reason’ and sense at all levels. Finally, CPOs are some of the few who are able to fill the gap between the operational aspects of the industry and the theoretical professionals.
To view our full list of close protection training courses click here
with former Corporal Jon Willis
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