Bodyguards and security guards may seem similar since both work to ensure safety, but their roles differ greatly. Bodyguards focus on protecting individuals from specific threats, while security guards are responsible for looking after properties, events, or groups of people.

So, bodyguard vs security guard – what are their differences? We’ll be discussing this and more, such as what a bodyguard does all day, who can hire a bodyguard, and how much bodyguards get paid in the UK.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two security measures, what their daily duties look like, who can hire them, and plenty more.

If you’ve ever wondered about the world of bodyguards, read on to find out more!

What Is A Personal Bodyguard?

Before we begin uncovering the differences between security personnel and close protection officers, let’s first discuss what a bodyguard is.

A bodyguard, who is also referred to as a close protection officer, is someone who is allocated the job of ensuring one specific individual remains safe and secure, despite the fact that there might be a few people appointed to their care. The main duty of a bodyguard will be to protect clients from different threats that they may face such as stalkers, political opponents, terrorism, or over-enthusiastic fans.

Also known as close protection officers, bodyguards are tasked with protecting a specific individual, whether it’s a celebrity, politician, or high-profile businessperson. Their main role is to protect clients from various threats, such as stalkers, overenthusiastic fans, or even political opponents. In many cases, a bodyguard may work as part of a team to ensure thorough protection.

What Does A Bodyguard Do?

Bodyguards do much more than just shield their clients from harm. They play a critical role in ensuring their client’s safety and well-being in every setting. Here’s a closer look at their key responsibilities

• Driving clients to and from venues.
• Identify any suspicious behaviour or unauthorised people.
• Stop any threats of harm from hurting their client.
• Attending social and business events with their clients.
• Check out venues or events before their client arrives.
• Being constantly vigilant.
• Scanning all areas for potential danger.
• Making sure that no unruly people get too close to their client.

Who Needs Personal Protection?

Bodyguard security services are essential for a wide range of people. They may face unique threats or require specialised protection. Some examples include:

• Celebrities.
• Government officials.
• Wealthy individuals.
• Individuals who have been threatened in some way.
• Renowned figures in the public eye.
• Politicians.

Can Anyone Hire A Bodyguard?

While bodyguards are commonly associated with the rich and famous, anyone can hire a bodyguard if they feel they need protection. These services are flexible and can be arranged for temporary, part-time, or full-time security, depending on individual needs.

Can Women Work As Personal Protection Officers?

Yes, women can be bodyguards.

However, the security industry is still male dominated. According to SIA data from December 2024, there are 869 women holding close protection licences in the UK compared to 11,392 men.

What Do You Call The Person A Bodyguard Protects?

In the world of security, the protected individual is usually referred to as the client or the principal. These terms highlights the professional relationship and the bodyguard’s role in ensuring their safety.

How Much Do Bodyguards Make?

According to Talent, bodyguards in the UK earn an average salary of up to £39,000 per year.

However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of clients they work with.

Can A Bodyguard Touch You?

Bodyguards, like security guards, cannot touch you without your consent. Although, in situations where someone poses a threat to their client, bodyguards may have the authority to restrain or detain the individual to ensure safety.

Their actions are always focused on protecting their client while staying within legal boundaries.

Bodyguard Vs Security Guard – What Is The Difference?

So, we’ve discussed what a bodyguard is and what they do, but how are they really different to security guards? We’ve listed some of the main differences between the two below:

Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: What They Protect

The first major difference between close protection officers and security guards will be what they’re protecting. A bodyguard’s main focus will be providing protection for their individual client or clients.

While security guards do protect people, this isn’t the core of their job. They’re typically hired by a business to protect a site or building.

For example, construction security is a very common area that security guards can be found working in. Guards working on these kinds of sites would be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of all everyone within their area of patrol.

They’ll also be responsible for ensuring equipment, tools, and materials on the site remain where they should be. This also includes spotting and reporting any kinds of active vandalism.

Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: What They Carry

Both types of security officers will carry security equipment to help them with their daily tasks. Some of this will be the same, such as communication tools like walkie-talkies.

Security guards will typically carry normal objects that will help them such as a torch, notepads, and security duty belts. While bodyguards tend to work in more dangerous environments so they will often carry security protective equipment like body armour.

Security guards usually carry essential tools for their duties, such as torches, notepads, and security duty belts. In contrast, bodyguards often operate in higher-risk environments. They’re more likely to use protective equipment such as body armor to ensure safety.

In the UK, neither security guards or bodyguards are allowed to carry armed security equipment or weapons due to the UK’s strict laws on firearms.

Bodyguard Vs Security Guard: Their Security Licences

To become a bodyguard or a security officer in the UK, it’s essential that you have a SIA-approved security licence. It’s the type of licence that differs. Bodyguards will need an SIA close protection licence, while security officers will require an SIA security guard licence.

Bodyguards Vs Security Guards: Media Portrayal

One of the key differences between security officers and bodyguards is how they’re portrayed in the media. Bodyguards are often glamorised as individuals who face high-stakes threats and are ready to protect their clients from harm. While this is certainly a possibility, it’s not as common as the media often suggests.

In contrast, security guards typically face less direct danger. Their role focuses on spotting potential risks, managing minor incidents themselves, or contacting local authorities like the police when needed.

Are Bodyguards And Security Guards The Same?

Although both bodyguards and security guards work in the security field, they have significant differences. Bodyguards often work closely with their clients, even driving them to events and providing personal protection.

In contrast, security guards are typically focused on protecting businesses or properties. Their main responsibility is ensuring the safety of buildings, rather than offering protection to individuals.

Summing Up The Security Guard Vs Bodyguard Debate

Overall, the main difference between a security guard and a bodyguard will be what or who they are protecting. Bodyguards will be responsible for the safety of one or more individuals, whereas a security guard is more likely to be responsible for the safety of one or more premises.

While both bodyguards and security guards play crucial roles in ensuring safety, their responsibilities and areas of focus are distinct. Bodyguards are dedicated to the personal protection of individuals, often in high-risk environments. Guards are more likely to be responsible for securing properties and businesses

For more insights into the world of security, head to our blog page. You’ll find articles about how to become a security guard and the different types of equipment that security guards use.