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UK Protective Security Developments: The National Protective Security Register (NPSR)

Recent announcements from Counter Terrorism Policing and associated government bodies indicate changes in how protective security competence is being structured at a national level.

These developments do not change SIA licensing requirements for Close Protection operatives. However, they are relevant in understanding how the wider protective security landscape is evolving.

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National Protective Security Register

A National Protective Security Register is being developed to identify individuals who provide protective security advice to organisations.

The register is intended for professionals operating at a strategic or advisory level, such as:

  • Protective security advisers
  • Security consultants
  • Individuals responsible for advising organisations, venues, or public bodies on security planning and mitigation

It is not:

  • A replacement for SIA licensing
  • A requirement for Close Protection operatives
  • A register for operational CPO deployment

Most working CP operatives will not be directly affected by the register.

New Ofqual-Regulated Protective Security Qualification

Alongside the register, a new Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification is being introduced.

This qualification is designed for individuals involved in:

  • Threat and vulnerability assessment at organisational level
  • Protective security planning and advisory roles
  • Supporting preparedness and mitigation measures for organisations

It does not:

  • Replace Close Protection training
  • Affect SIA licensing
  • Introduce new mandatory requirements for CP operatives

Any requirement to hold this qualification would be contract-specific, not regulatory.

Relevance to Close Protection and Security Operatives

For most operatives, these developments have no immediate operational impact.

Where they may become relevant:

  • Larger organisations and public-facing venues may reference these frameworks in future procurement or security planning

  • Senior roles, advisory positions, or consultancy pathways may increasingly reference formalised credentials

This reflects a broader separation between operational delivery and protective security advisory roles, which already exists in practice.

Current Position

At present:

  • SIA Close Protection licensing requirements remain unchanged
  • Refresher training obligations are unaffected
  • No additional qualifications are required to work as a Close Protection operative

Any claims suggesting otherwise are speculative.

Key Takeaways

For operational CPs:

  • Awareness is sufficient

  • No action required

For those moving into advisory or consultancy roles:

  • Monitor developments through official channels

Nothing more should be read into this at this stage.

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