Close Protection (CP) corporately referred to as Executive Protection (EP) is one of the most dynamic and respected, yet misinterpreted fields within the security sector. People transitioning from military or law enforcement backgrounds often fit well, due to their problem-solving and communication skills, but it’s important to recognise that there are some very adept operators out there without these career backgrounds. If you’re looking to step into a meaningful, people-focused security role that will really get you thinking, Close Protection offers both challenge and reward.

What is Close Protection?

It is probably easier to first define what Close Protection isn’t, before we look at what it is. If Hollywood is to be believed, it is about explosions, guns, bicep size, looking good in a tailored suit and having a romantic liaison with your VIP. Now let’s look at the real world. Close Protection is switching on all of your senses, all of the time, to the maximum, in every given situation. It is draining. Physically and mentally, draining. I know this, as I was a Close Protection Officer with Scotland Yard’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP). For a number of years, I travelled extensively with some of the world’s most high-profile leaders and Royalty. It was my job to ensure that all security objectives to events at which they were appearing were met, and operationally, delivered, just as it was my job to manage and work with them and their families in private settings.

So, when working in Close Protection, listening is just as important as talking, possibly more so. An ability to plan in fine detail but have the awareness to have a contingency plan in case circumstances change, and then the humility to change that plan, is vital. Discretion, pride in appearance, an ability to engage with people across communicative and social divides and clear thinking under pressure will all be needed. CPOs (Close Protection Operatives) are tasked with ensuring the safety of individuals or groups who may be exposed to elevated risk due to their profile, profession, a specific threat against them or a specific situation. This can include CEOs, high-net-worth families, public figures, International Royalty or diplomats. What CPOs do, is manage the daily lives of the principal to the extent that they can conduct themselves normally in any environment, be it official, working or private time.

Who is suited to becoming a Close Protection Operative?

As we have discussed, many successful CPOs come from military or police backgrounds, but that is not a pre-requisite. What matters is the right mindset and attitude: people who are calm under pressure, flexible and adaptable to change make good CPOs. People who are willing to listen and not demand that their voice is heard make good CPO’s. Having an opinion on a topic is fine, but an ability to ‘read a room’ and not be opinionated on that topic is far better. Firm, fair, friendly, positive and engaging people, with an ability to think for themselves but also blend into a larger team, with an eye for detail and a practical ability to get things done are generally well suited to Close Protection.

Less suited for a career in Close Protection are those people who like to make a lot of noise (in-person or online) about themselves and that crave attention. Close Protection delivery is not about you. You are not the story, and if you find that you suddenly are, it will probably be because something has gone wrong. You shouldn’t revel in being snapped by paparazzi, nor quickly move to put pictures of you, your location and your principal on social media. The story will always be the principal, the gathered public at the event are there to see them and not you. Strangely, there are people who think they will be able to carry Firearms and TASERs if they pass a Close Protection course in the UK and will quickly be disappointed, when they learn that the law doesn’t allow for this. As referenced at the beginning, Close Protection is wildly misinterpreted, and so it is important to know fact from fiction.

What Do You Need to Get Started?

To work legally in the UK as a CPO, you must hold:

  • An SIA Close Protection Licence (Level 3 qualification)
  • First Aid at Work certification (including trauma and emergency response)

Additional training in surveillance, defensive driving, and conflict management is often sought by employers and clients alike and there are providers that can give you these additional layers of skill.

Core Skills for a CPO

  • Situational awareness: the ability to identify potential threats before they escalate
  • Communication: with clients, teams, and external stakeholders
  • Discretion: trust, privacy and integrity are fundamental in this role
  • Fitness and resilience: both physically and mentally
  • Planning and adaptability: from travel routes to emergency contingencies to sudden changes of plans for the Principal

Career Progression & Opportunities

The close protection industry is competitive, but those who are well-trained, reliable, and networked will find opportunities with:

  • Private family offices
  • Government and diplomatic missions
  • Corporate executive teams
  • Security consultancies and international agencies

Experienced CPOs may also move into strategic roles, overseeing wider security programmes or training the next generation of professionals.

How GSA Global Can Support You

At GSA Global, we work closely with organisations across sectors to deliver risk management solutions including close protection and executive protection. We understand what clients are looking for in a CPO, and we can help prepare individuals for the next step in their career.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your professional profile, we offer:

  • Career pathway guidance
  • Training recommendations based on real-world client expectations
  • CV review and positioning
  • Referrals to respected training providers and trusted networks