Bodyguard

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this career by completing a course with a private training provider.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

OtherRoutes

You'll need to apply for a Close Protection licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work as a bodyguard.

To apply, you must first complete the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative course, which is done through an SIA-approved training provider . You will also need a close protection first aid qualification .

Once you have your licence, you can apply to an organisation directly to work as a bodyguard or go through a recruitment agency specialising in security and close protection work.

Many people enter this career after working in the police or the armed forces.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses

What you'll do:

Bodyguards protect individuals and groups from potential threats to their safety at events, when travelling and during everyday activities.

As a bodyguard, you could:

• protect clients from threats like terrorism, political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic press and fans
• check out and secure premises before clients arrive
• identify suspicious behaviour or unauthorised people
• diffuse situations before they flare up
• remove clients from potentially dangerous situations
• drive clients to events or accompany them during travel

Location : You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 51 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security, or move into risk assessment consultancy or bodyguard training.