A guide, how to hire a Bodyguard

“It's not all about pedigree and breeding; it's often about hours of training and networks!”

by Alex Bomberg | 9th January 2015 - Updated 7th January 2025

Bodyguards for hire

Hiring a professional bodyguard is often far more straightforward than people expect. Reputable security providers work closely with clients to deliver a discreet, proportionate service that integrates seamlessly into everyday life, minimising disruption to family, business and routine.

For some clients, close protection is required for a single event, overseas business trip or high-profile engagement. For others, it is a longer-term arrangement, where the protection team becomes a trusted and familiar presence. In either case, effective close protection involves far more than simply searching for “bodyguards for hire” online.

Each week, we support clients from across the world facing a wide range of risks, from travel to higher-risk or unstable regions, including parts of the Middle East and Africa, to the ongoing personal and reputational risks faced by high-net-worth individuals, executives and members of royal or prominent families.

Many of our clients have never engaged a bodyguard before. It can feel unfamiliar and understandably raises questions about how the process works. This is why we take the time to ask detailed questions at the outset. Understanding your lifestyle, travel patterns, concerns and priorities allows us to assess risk properly and design a protection solution that is effective, discreet and entirely tailored to you.

At the outset of any assignment, we follow a structured onboarding process designed to ensure clarity, confidentiality and alignment from day one. This includes confirming scope, responsibilities, communication protocols and any legal or regulatory considerations, allowing protection to be delivered efficiently, lawfully and without unnecessary friction.

All engagements are governed by clear, mutually agreed contractual terms. This ensures transparency, defines responsibilities on both sides and allows services to be delivered consistently and without ambiguity. We work on the basis of professionalism and good faith, and we expect all parties to honour agreed terms, timelines and instructions throughout the engagement.

Bodyguard or Close Protection Operative?

“Bodyguard” is a widely used term, but in professional security it is a broad and often imprecise description. The correct terminology, and the skill set required, depend largely on the role being performed and the environment in which protection is delivered.

There are several distinct forms of close protection, each requiring different experience, training and personal attributes.

Executive Protection
Executive Protection services are delivered every day in major cities around the world, often without being noticed. While media coverage frequently focuses on high-profile celebrities surrounded by visible security, this represents only one aspect of close protection.

In reality, many clients prefer a discreet, low-profile approach that blends seamlessly into their surroundings. Effective executive protection is often defined by what does not happen, attention is avoided, risks are managed quietly, and normal life continues uninterrupted.

Within Executive Protection itself, there are multiple specialist disciplines. These range from protection for senior executives and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, to "Royalty Protection Services" and VIP protection, and assignments involving families and young children. Each role demands a different mindset and a carefully selected skill set, often including additional qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid where appropriate.

Soft skills are fundamental. A highly effective Close Protection Operative in an executive environment must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal ability, cultural awareness and professional etiquette. Above all, they must possess the confidence and judgement to manage situations calmly, professionally and without escalation.

Hostile Environment
Hostile Environment protection is a distinct discipline, where the operational focus shifts significantly. These assignments often take place in unstable or high-risk regions and demand a strong emphasis on teamwork, adaptability and rapid decision-making in unpredictable circumstances.

In these environments, advanced driving skills, tactical movement and medical capability are critical. Protection teams must be able to react dynamically to evolving threats, frequently in situations beyond their direct control. Military and specialist security experience is particularly relevant here, with driving and medical roles often treated as specialist functions within the team.

Questions to ask when Hiring a Bodyguard

It is entirely appropriate to ask detailed questions when engaging a close protection provider. All client’s circumstances are different, and effective protection depends on a clear understanding of your specific requirements. Equally, you should expect the provider to ask you a number of questions at the outset. This enables an accurate risk assessment, ensures the correct level of protection is deployed, and allows the assignment to be matched to operatives with the most suitable experience and skill set.

Information We Will Typically Need:

• Who requires close protection?
• Will protection involve children or individuals with additional or special needs?
• Where is the protection required (locations and environments)??
• What is the perceived or assessed threat level?
• Has a risk assessment been carried out?
• Is liaison with local police or authorities required?
• Do you require overt or covert close protection?
• Are vehicles required? If so, what type might be suitable?
• Are you, or any protected parties, taking medication that may be relevant?
• Are there any underlying medical or health considerations?
• What hours should the service cover?
• What is the anticipated duration of the assignment?
• Are there any specific language requirements?
• Is a trained security driver required?
• Will food and accommodation be provided, or should this be arranged by us?
• Are you or any other party under any medication?
• Are there any underlying health problems?
• What hours do you want the service to cover?
• How long is the service required for?
• Do you have any specific language requirements?
• Do you require a trained Security Driver too?
• Is food and accommodation provided?

Questions You Should Ask a Close Protection Provider?
You should also feel confident in asking your provider clear and direct questions, including:

• How long has the company been established?
• What is the legal status of the company (for example, a UK limited company)?
• Will a formal service contract be provided?
• Is there a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement in place?
• Are all close protection operatives appropriately vetted?
• What are the applicable daily rates?
• Are reduced rates available for longer-term assignments?
• Can client references be provided?
• What insurance cover is held by the company and its operatives?
• What relevant experience does the company have in comparable assignments?
• Can anonymised CVs of suitable operatives be reviewed?
• How are overseas deployments managed?
• What equipment is included (for example, medical or communications equipment)?
• What is the agreed method of communication for instructions and updates?

Asking the right questions ensures clarity, transparency and confidence on both sides, and ultimately leads to a more effective, professional and trusted protection service.

A few myths about bodyguards

There are many misconceptions surrounding bodyguards and close protection. In reality, professional close protection is defined by judgement, discretion and prevention, not confrontation.

“Bodyguards are aggressive and will fight for you”
This is a persistent myth. Professional Close Protection Operatives do not seek confrontation and will not “beat people up” on a client’s behalf. Their role is to keep the client safe while operating fully within the law of the country in which they are deployed.

Physical confrontation is always a last resort. A well-trained operative focuses on awareness, early threat detection and de-escalation. Reading people, understanding environments and removing a client from risk before a situation escalates are the hallmarks of professional close protection.

Bodyguards are untrained “hard men”
The opposite is true. Professional bodyguards undergo extensive training before they are permitted to work in close protection roles. This training covers a wide range of competencies including professional appearance and etiquette, situational awareness, first aid and trauma care, conflict management, restraint techniques, unarmed defensive skills and advanced driving.

In the UK, all Close Protection Operatives must complete a Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited Close Protection qualification and undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Ongoing training and continuous professional development are also essential to maintaining operational standards.

Where assignments are delivered outside the UK, licensing, permissions and regulatory requirements vary by country. Professional close protection providers ensure that all operatives are deployed lawfully, in accordance with local legislation, host-nation requirements and any applicable permitting or authority liaison. International operations are planned in advance to ensure full compliance, continuity of service and client confidence.

All Bodyguards are armed
In most European countries, it is not lawful to employ armed bodyguards. Even in jurisdictions where armed protection is permitted, it cannot be arranged at short notice. Armed deployments require extensive planning, licensing, due diligence and regulatory approval.

Bodyguards are not police officers and do not have special powers of arrest. They must operate strictly within local law at all times.

One bodyguard is enough; they can drive as well
Close protection is about roles and responsibilities. Even the most experienced operative cannot safely drive a client and provide effective close protection simultaneously. Depending on the risk profile, this often necessitates either a two-person protection team or a dedicated, professionally trained and licensed security driver working alongside the Close Protection Operative.

Professional protection is about knowing boundaries. Operatives are highly capable but are not expected to be a single solution for every function.

Bigger is better
Physical size alone does not equate to effectiveness. In many environments, a larger or more imposing presence attracts unwanted attention. Professional close protection often relies on discretion, blending into surroundings rather than standing out.

Fitness, awareness, reaction time and judgement are far more important than physical stature.

Does it matter that they are ex-Military or Police?
Prior military or police service does not automatically make someone an effective bodyguard. However, many reputable providers value the discipline, resilience and operational mindset developed during service to the Crown.

Former service personnel often bring experience of working under pressure, operating independently or within teams, and maintaining professional standards in demanding environments, attributes that translate well into close protection roles.

All Bodyguards are men
Close protection is not gender specific. Female operatives play a vital role across many assignments and are often preferred in certain environments. Many royal households and high-profile families favour female operatives, as they can present a softer, less intrusive first impression.

Female bodyguards are also frequently requested when working with families and children. A calm, empathetic approach is critical, particularly during periods of heightened stress or transition, and professionalism is defined as much by emotional intelligence as physical capability.