The safety and security of individuals, property, and assets are paramount concerns in the UK. To address these concerns, the security industry in the UK is diverse and robust, with various types of security guards fulfilling specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding the different types of security guards and their roles is crucial for individuals, businesses, and organisations seeking effective security solutions. Here, we will embark on a journey to explore the different types of security guards in the UK, delving into their roles, training requirements, and the industries they serve. By gaining insights into the intricacies of each type, readers will be better equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting appropriate security measures for their specific needs.
The Security Industry in the UK
To comprehend the vast landscape of security guards in the UK, it is essential to establish a foundational understanding of the security industry itself. We will provide an overview of the security industry’s significance in the UK, its contributions to public safety, and the factors driving the demand for security services.
Security Guard Licensing and Training in the UK
Security guard licensing and training are essential requirements in the UK to ensure that individuals working in the security industry are properly trained and equipped to fulfill their roles effectively. Let’s delve into the details of security guard licensing and training in the UK:
Security Guard Licensing: In the UK, security guard licensing is overseen by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), a regulatory body established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA is responsible for regulating the private security industry, including security guarding.
To work as a security guard in the UK, individuals must obtain an SIA licence. The SIA licence demonstrates that a security guard has undergone the necessary checks and training to meet the standards set by the SIA. Without a valid SIA licence, it is illegal to work as a security guard in designated licensable sectors.
Training Requirements: To obtain an SIA licence, aspiring security guards must undergo specific training that covers the essential knowledge and skills required for the role. The SIA sets the minimum training requirements for security guards, which include:
- Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer: This qualification covers topics such as the role of a security officer, patrolling techniques, communication skills, emergency procedures, and dealing with incidents.
- Door Supervisor Training: For security guards working in door supervision roles, additional training is required. This training includes topics such as managing conflict, physical intervention skills, and customer service.
- CCTV Training: For security guards working in roles involving the operation of CCTV systems, additional training on operating and managing CCTV equipment is necessary.
Training Providers: Various training providers across the UK offer approved SIA training courses. It’s essential to choose a reputable and accredited training provider to ensure that the training meets the SIA’s standards. Training courses are typically conducted by qualified instructors who have industry experience and knowledge.
Obtaining an SIA Licence: Once the required training has been completed, individuals can apply for their SIA licence. The application process involves providing necessary personal information, proof of training completion, and undergoing a criminal background check. The SIA thoroughly assesses the application before issuing the licence.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): To maintain their SIA licence, security guards must engage in continuing professional development. This involves undertaking regular training and staying updated with industry best practices and changes in legislation.
Most Demanded Types of Security Guards
Exploring the types of security guards can assist you in charting your professional trajectory. Although certain roles may overlap in terms of duties and skills, each focuses on a distinct area of security expertise. Here are eight types of security guards for you to explore:
1: Static Security Guards: Protecting Fixed Locations
Static security guards play a vital role in safeguarding fixed locations, such as office buildings, residential complexes, and construction sites. Their responsibilities include access control, surveillance, incident response, and emergency procedures.
The salary of a static security guard can vary based on several factors, including location, level of experience, and the specific responsibilities associated with the role. On average, the salary of a static security guard in the UK ranges between £20,000 and £40,000 per year.
Static security guards can progress to supervisory roles within their organisation or take on responsibilities in risk assessment and security management. They may also have opportunities to specialise in areas such as access control systems or emergency response planning. Future roles may include becoming security team leaders, site managers, or transitioning into related fields such as facilities management or corporate security.
2: Mobile Patrol Security Guards: Vigilant Surveillance on the Move
Mobile patrol security guards conduct regular patrols to monitor and secure various locations. Their responsibilities include conducting inspections, responding to alarms, providing a visible security presence, and addressing potential security risks. Mobile patrol security guards who conduct regular patrols and monitor multiple sites may earn moderate salaries. Salaries for mobile patrol security guards in the UK generally range from £21,000 to £29,000 per year.
Mobile patrol security guards have the potential to progress in their careers and take on roles as security supervisors or managers, responsible for overseeing multiple patrol teams and coordinating security operations. They also have the opportunity to get expertise in specific areas like alarm response or mobile CCTV surveillance. In the future, mobile patrol security guards in the UK may explore opportunities in security consultancy, offering their expertise to businesses and companies to enhance their security measures.
3: Close Protection Officers: Providing Personal Security to High-Profile Individuals
Close protection officers, commonly known as bodyguards, provide personal security to high-profile individuals. Their basic roles are in threat assessment, risk management, route planning, security advances, and protective measures for their clients. Their specialised training and responsibility for the safety and security of high-profile individuals or VIPs command higher pay rates. Salaries for close protection officers in the UK can range from £30,000 to £100,000 or more per year, depending on the level of experience and the nature of the assignments.
Close protection officers have the potential to advance in their careers and assume roles as team leaders or managers within close protection agencies or security companies. Moreover, they can specialise in demanding environments or executive protection for corporate clients. Their future responsibilities may encompass international assignments, protecting diplomats or high-ranking government officials, or even establishing their own close protection agency.
4: Residential Security Guards: Protecting Homes and Communities
Residential security guards are responsible for maintaining security and peace in residential areas, housing estates, and gated communities. Their duties are in access control, perimeter monitoring, incident response, and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of residents. Salaries for residential security guards generally range from £19,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the residential complex.
More experienced or senior residential security guards may earn salaries towards the higher end of the range. Residential security guards are able to become residential security supervisors or managers, and responsible for directing security operations for several properties or luxury residential complexes. They could also emphasise in estate security or crisis management.
Residential security guards in the UK may one day work as estate managers or transfer into private security consultancy, delivering bespoke security solutions to affluent people or residential areas.
5: Transport Security Guards: Maintaining Safety in the Transportation Sector
Transport security guards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of transportation hubs, such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Their responsibilities comprises baggage screening, crowd management, surveillance, and incident response. Salaries for transport security guards in the UK typically range from £19,000 to £32,000 per year. Factors such as the specific transport facility, level of responsibility, and experience can impact salary variations within this range.
Security guards in the transportation sector can become security supervisors or managers, leading security operations at airports, train stations and key transportation hubs. They could also deal in cargo security or passenger screening. In the future, transport security guards in the UK may be required to collaborate with government departments or transportation authorities to design and implement security regulations and procedures.
6: Unarmed Security Guards
Unarmed security guards are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment without the use of firearms. They may work in a variety of settings, including retail establishments, office buildings, or events. Salaries for unarmed security guards in the UK typically range from £18,000 to £29,000 per year. Factors such as location, level of experience, and the specific responsibilities associated with the role can influence the salary within this range. Unarmed security guards can improve their careers by taking on supervisory roles within their company or concentrating on areas such as loss prevention, access control, or crowd management. They may additionally opt to continue their education and obtain certifications in certain security subjects. In the UK, they may pursue their careers as security consultants, performing risk assessments for companies, or transferring into positions in security management in the public or private sectors in the future.
7: Armed Security Guards:
Armed security guards are trained to carry firearms and are responsible for providing enhanced security and protection. They may work in high-risk environments, such as banks, government buildings, or sensitive facilities. Armed security officers share similar responsibilities with other security guards, but their unique feature is their permission to carry and use weapons. While firearms are allowed by some organisations, armed security officers may also possess other tools like pepper spray, batons, tasers, or flare guns. They wear distinctive uniforms to signify their role and provide visible assistance to visitors. Proper firearms training and certification are crucial for armed security officers to demonstrate their competence in handling potentially hazardous weapons.
Salaries for armed security guards in the UK generally range from £20,000 to £30,000 per year. The higher end of the salary range is often associated with guards who have extensive experience, specialised training, and may work in more demanding or high-profile security positions. Armed security guards in the UK can pursue career progression by taking on roles as team leaders, managers, or specialising in executive protection or high-risk environments.
8: Remote CCTV monitor guards
Remote CCTV monitor guards are responsible for monitoring and maintaining security through remote surveillance systems. They use advanced technology and cameras to monitor multiple locations from a central control room. In the UK, salaries for remote CCTV monitor guards typically range from £20,000 to £32,000 per year. Factors such as experience, complexity of monitoring systems, and facility size can influence salary variations within this range.
Experienced guards, those with additional responsibilities or specialised certifications, may earn higher salaries. Salaries can vary based on the employer, level of responsibility, and location. Shift differentials or bonuses may be offered for night shifts or weekends. Remote CCTV monitor guards in the UK have potential future roles as lead monitors, supervisors, or security technology experts, contributing to the development and implementation of advanced CCTV surveillance systems.
But instead of doing a security guard course, you will need to do a CCTV operator training course to get these roles.
Choosing the Right Security Solution for Your Needs
The diverse types of security guards in the UK serve distinct roles and play a vital part in maintaining safety and security in various sectors. By understanding the responsibilities, training requirements, and expertise of different security guard types, individuals and organisations can make well-informed decisions when it comes to selecting the most suitable security solutions for their specific needs.
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We offer a comprehensive 4-step process to provide candidates with excellent training, necessary licences, and employment opportunities within the private security sector. Our five-day SIA security guard training course plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to ensure safety, prevent theft, and protect the public and premises.
If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling security career, join our training program and gain the expertise needed to thrive in the private security industry.
