Close Protection vs Bodyguard UK 2026 — What's the Difference?
TL;DR: Close Protection vs Bodyguard UK 2026 — What's the Difference?. Written rates. SIA-licensed. Call 020 3488 5714, WhatsApp available, email enquiries.vip.protection.service@mail.com.
In the UK, 'bodyguard' has no legal meaning. 'Close Protection' does. Here is what that actually means when you are hiring.
The Legal Position
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 licenses Close Protection Officers under the SIA. There is no separate 'bodyguard' licence. Anyone offering a 'bodyguard' without an SIA CP licence is trading illegally.
Training Difference
SIA CP requires 150+ hours of assessed training covering threat assessment, advance planning, foot drills, vehicle drills, first aid, conflict management and law.
What You Should Actually Say
'I want to hire a Close Protection Officer' — that's the language the industry uses, and it filters out unlicensed operators immediately.
How to Verify a CPO
Ask for the SIA licence number. Cross-check it in real time at register.the-sia.org.uk. Refuse to deploy without verification.
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- 🌐 Site: vipprotectionservices.co.uk
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About the Author
Roy
Director, VIP Protection Services
Roy is a Director of VIP Protection Services, overseeing SIA-licensed close protection, executive protection, corporate security and residential security across the UK. He personally writes and reviews every guide, checking each against current SIA licensing rules and BS 7858:2019 screening standards before publication.
- SIA Close Protection licensed officers
- BS 7858:2019 screened (5-year vetting)
- Documented assignment planning
“Discreet, impeccably presented and completely reliable. They planned the detail properly rather than simply putting people on the ground — which is exactly what we needed.”
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