Security Services, Bodyguards and Close Protection
Whether you need security for business premises, an event or personal protection, choose a service suited to the job. This guide explains common options, licence checks and questions to ask before booking. Sixpence Support UK provides this information free of charge. Private security providers charge for their services.
Security guards
Security guards may help protect offices, shops, warehouses, construction sites and other premises. Agree responsibilities such as access control, patrols, visitor handling and reporting incidents. Ask about experience with your type of premises, staffing and out-of-hours cover.
Bodyguards and close protection
A bodyguard is often called a close protection operative. Close protection focuses on an individual's safety and may involve accompanying them at work, while travelling or attending events. Discuss your circumstances confidentially with a suitable provider and ask how they assess your needs, arrange staffing and communicate with you. Do not assume a general security-guard licence covers close protection.
Event security and door supervision
Events may need different roles, including stewards, security guards and door supervisors. Licence requirements depend on the duties and circumstances, not simply the job title. Ask the provider to explain which roles require SIA licences, staffing arrangements and coordination with the venue. Check arrangements for entry, accessibility, incident reporting and communication with emergency services.
Mobile patrols, keyholding and alarm response
Ask what patrol visits cover, whether response times are estimates or contractual commitments, how keys and alarm codes are protected, and what happens if an alarm cannot be resolved. Confirm call-out charges and who is contacted. Do not assume every service provides constant attendance or an immediate response.
CCTV services
If the job includes public-space surveillance, ask which licence is required for the actual duties. CCTV installation, monitoring and consultancy are different services; one approval or licence should not be treated as covering every activity. Confirm how recordings, access and privacy will be managed.
Check the right SIA licence
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates specified private security activities. Before hiring, use official guidance to establish whether a licence is required, then check the operative's identity, licence status, expiry and relevant activity on the official register. A badge photograph alone is not enough. Requirements vary with duties and employment arrangements; not every steward or in-house role requires the same licence.
The SIA guidance covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; check the requirements for the duties and setting involved.
Official starting point for checking SIA licence holders.
Check which activities and circumstances require licensing.
Check the company
The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme is voluntary. Company approval is separate from an individual's licence. Check the current register and the activities for which the company is approved. A company not appearing on this voluntary register is not automatically operating unlawfully; individual licensing requirements still apply. Neither approval nor a licence guarantees your safety.
Search companies and check their approved activities.
The contractor register returned an error during our link check on 3 October 2026. If it does not open, try again later or use the official scheme information below; do not treat an unavailable register as confirmation of approval.
Official information about the voluntary scheme and what company approval covers.
Questions before booking
- What relevant experience do you have?
- Which licences are needed, and who will be assigned?
- Can you provide current insurance details appropriate to this work?
- Will you use subcontractors, and how are they checked?
- What staffing, supervision and cover are included?
- How will you protect my personal information, keys and access codes?
- How will incidents and complaints be recorded and handled?
- What accessibility or communication adjustments can you provide?
- What is excluded, and when would police or emergency services be contacted?
Costs and written agreements
Request a written scope, itemised quote and contract. Confirm hours, staffing, VAT, travel, accommodation, overtime, minimum bookings and cancellation charges. Check any call-out fees and how the service can be ended. Avoid guarantees of complete protection or promises that are not written into the agreement.
Finding a service
Use the official contractor register and search for your required service plus your town or region. Compare providers, check references and verify claims independently. For close protection, explain your requirements through a secure private conversation rather than posting travel plans or sensitive details publicly. We do not maintain a verified list of individual bodyguards or arrange bookings.
Immediate danger
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now. Private security does not replace emergency services. If you are being threatened, stalked or harassed, contact police and seek appropriate specialist support rather than relying solely on a security contract.
Our role
Sixpence Support UK offers information and signposting. We do not supply guards, arrange protection, endorse individual firms or guarantee licences, availability, prices or outcomes. Confirm current details directly with the provider and official registers.
Information checked: 3 October 2026.