Bodyguards, also known as close protection operatives (CPOs), protect clients (individuals or groups) from the risk of possible violence, kidnapping or terrorist threat, or from unwanted attention of stalkers or fans. They usually specialise in low risk or high risk environments.

The Work

You could be:

• providing around the clock protection for clients who are in the public eye, such as TV, film and music celebrities and politicians, or wealthy business people
• accompanying your client to public or private events
• checking places out before your client's visit to ensure their safety
• ensuring the safety of the client's family
• installing extra surveillance equipment such as close circuit cameras
• driving your client safely to and from venues
• staying close when your client is walking about in public
• keeping a constant watch on the surrounding crowds, looking for unusual or threatening behaviour, or faces you recognise
• working in a team with other security professionals, keeping in touch by radio.

Pay

Most bodyguards work on a self-employed basis. Pay depends on the client or company, experience and the risk of the job involved. A low risk job can pay anywhere from £100 to £500 a day A high risk job, or one involving the protection of high profile or very wealthy clients, can pay between £500 and £1000 a day. An extremely high risk job can pay up to £1,500 a day.

Conditions

• You may have to work long irregular hours including evenings, nights and weekends, as part of 24 hour protection.
• You may have to travel about a lot, including abroad.
• You may work both indoors and outdoors.
• You may have to stand for long periods of time in one position.
• There may be some risk to your personal safety.
• If you work in high risk environments you may wear protective clothing such as body armour.

Getting In

• A Close Protection Licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is required to work as a bodyguard.
• To qualify for this licence you must be aged 18 or over. You will also need to pass an identity check, a criminal record check and have achieved an SIA approved Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection.
• The SIA approved qualification is the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry. This is awarded by a number of organisations: City and Guilds, Pearson BTEC, Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) and Industry Qualifications (IQ).
• To achieve Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection involves a minimum of 140 hours of learning.This  includes completing two modules and an exam.
• You must also show evidence of a recognised First Aid certificate.
• Previous experience in the police or Armed Forces would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• You may need a driving licence.

Most bodyguards work for private security firms. You will find a list of accredited firms on the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) website.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

16431

1.8 %

RISE

2024

16734

  United Kingdom

2019

206206

1.3 %

RISE

2024

208974

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• decisive
• able to react quickly in an emergency
• confident and assertive
• able to concentrate and be alert for long periods
• physically fit
• discreet and able to respect your client's confidentiality
• adaptable
• a team player.

You must have:

• good time keeping skills
• excellent communication and organisational skills
• excellent observational skills
• the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Training

Once you are working as a bodyguard you may do other courses to keep your skills up to date.

Getting On

• You could go on to specialise in surveillance work, chauffeuring, residential work or consultancy work.
• With experience you could run your own security firm.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.