Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of the UK Close Protection Newsletter brought to you by SecurityPathway.co.uk.
This newsletter is designed for operatives who take their profession seriously, whether just starting out or a seasoned professional.
Each month, you’ll receive updates and insights such as:
Licensing, compliance, and SIA developments relevant to operators.
Guidance on training, operational best practices, and career pathways.
Highlights of training providers, equipment, or professional templates.
Practical tips to help you stay prepared and professional.
Our goal is simple: give you reliable, actionable, and professional information so you can operate at the highest standard.
New SIA Refresher Training Requirements for Close Protection Operatives
The SIA has officially announced new mandatory refresher training for Close Protection Operatives (CPOs).
This training becomes mandatory for licence renewals from 1 April 2026, but has been available since 1 October 2025
This marks one of the biggest changes to CP licensing since the introduction of the 2022 qualification update.
SIA Strategic Review of Licence Qualifications (2026)
The SIA has announced a strategic review of licence qualifications for security operatives in the UK. The review aims to assess current training requirements, standards, and pathways to ensure licences remain relevant and fit-for-purpose.
At this stage, no immediate changes have been mandated, but the review may influence future training standards and licence renewal processes.
Industry Update: National Protective Security Register & Ofqual Training
There have been recent developments involving the National Protective Security Register (NPSR) and the introduction of new Ofqual-regulated protective security qualifications.
The NPSR is not an SIA licensing scheme, and these qualifications are not currently mandatory for Close Protection or other SIA-licensed roles. However, they may be relevant for operatives working with corporate, infrastructure, or publicly accountable clients who are aligning with recognised protective security standards.
We’ve published a brief update outlining what this means in practical terms for working operatives, and what remains unchanged.
UK Close Protection: The Complete 2026 Guide
Close Protection in the UK is a highly specialised security discipline, demanding professionalism, continuous training, and operational competence. Check out our guide which consolidates everything an operative, whether new or experienced, needs to know about roles, licensing, training, equipment, operational planning, and career development in 2026.
Explore the full suite of Close Protection resources and guides:
From licensing requirements and SIA updates to training advice, operational planning tips, and professional templates — everything a UK CPO needs to stay informed and prepared is in one place.
As always, we’ll continue to filter official announcements into clear, relevant information for working operatives, without speculation or unnecessary noise.
Until next time.
Stay informed and stay professional.
Security Pathway
Close Protection Specialists | UK & International