Therefore, it is essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in close protection to acquire the necessary skills, mindset, and qualifications required by the profession. This will not only ensure success but also build credibility and trust with clients, making one a more effective and sought-after professional in the field.

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It should be noted that the approach to working may differ across the world and the occupational requirements are written to enable differences to be appreciated and to enable different terminology to be applied as appropriate. However, regardless of the proprietary context, at the heart of work is the “maintaining a safe environment" in which a Principal(s) can live and work whilst you are continually striving to reduce or minimise risk.

 

Overview  

 

These occupational requirements define the competencies necessary to carry out the functions of a Close Protection Operative anywhere in the world.

They are intended as a high-level strategic overview of the competencies requisite to fulfil the tasks required in the workplace. They are not designed to describe specific roles, but rather a number of functions and therefore a number of occupational requirements.

 

These are broken down into 8 distinct competency areas where knowledge and skills will be measured, and performance graded by professionally qualified Assessors and Standard Veriifers who are responsible for preserving the integrity of the qualifications. It is therefore incumbent on the Professional Bodyguard Association as an internationally approved training provider to ensure that the standards are met, and we take this onerous responsibility very seriously.

 

The mandatory competency areas are as follows:

 

1. Principles of Working as a Close Protection Operative in the Private Security Industry

2. Working as a Close Protection Operative in the Private Security Industry

3. Application of Conflict Management in the Private Security Industry

4. Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry

5. Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry

6. Application of Physical Intervention Skills (holistic)– Session 1

7. Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives – Session 2

8. First Person on Scene (Prehospital Emergency Care)

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Specific jobs have occupational requirements that are designed based on best practices, and that individuals must demonstrate proficiency in these performance criteria to be considered competent in their respective sector. It is important to note that not all job roles will encompass all performance requirements across every standard, but rather will utilize appropriate occupational requirements for that specific role.

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These occupational requirements may include various performance criteria, such as technical skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. By demonstrating proficiency in these criteria, individuals can prove their competence in their respective sector and contribute to the overall success of their organization.

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The role of close protection operatives has evolved, and they are now expected to be more than just physical protection. They need to be knowledgeable about a wide range of security risks and emerging threats, including those related to the internet of things. Close protection officers must remain up to date with these risks and their mitigations to secure their clients' safety.

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Trust is a fundamental component of the relationship between close protection operatives and their clients. Clients rely on their expertise and guidance to keep them safe and secure, and therefore it is essential that they have complete trust in their abilities and judgment.

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Building trust requires open communication, honesty, and a willingness to listen to and address the client's concerns. It is also important for close protection operatives to maintain confidentiality and discretion, as clients may share sensitive information that must be kept private. By establishing a strong foundation of trust, close protection operatives can better understand their clients' needs and preferences and provide them with the highest level of protection possible.

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The Security Industry Authority in Great Britain has recently introduced new skills and qualifications to address the industry's shortfalls, and these enhancements should be applauded. While some may believe that these enhancements did not go far enough, and others believe that they are way off the mark, the standards set by the SIA provide a baseline that allows all operators to meet them, while the best can stand out through personal development.

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Medical capabilities and counter-terrorism awareness training are two of the most important upgrades to the industry's skillset. Those who work in the night-time economy must also have different skills than those who work in other areas, and this difference should be recognized.

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Training delivery is moving toward a hybrid format, with both classroom and self-study components, and we should all embrace these adjustments to keep up with the fast-moving changes in the operational environment.