Understanding PSA and SIA Licensing: What Clients in Ireland Should Know
- paulfrederickjones
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When arranging Close Protection in Ireland, it’s easy to assume that a licence is a licence — that anyone calling themselves a bodyguard must have been through the same rigorous training. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
For PAs, family office managers and advisers tasked with sourcing security, this detail matters. Choosing the wrong operative can mean hiring someone legally permitted to guard a door, but not trained to protect a person.
So, what’s the difference between PSA and SIA licensing, and how can you be sure the people you hire are truly qualified for the job?
PSA vs SIA – Two Different Systems
In the UK, every Close Protection Officer (CPO) must hold a licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA licence confirms that the operative has completed formal Close Protection training, including threat assessment, surveillance awareness, conflict management, first aid and protective driving.
In Ireland, security is regulated by the Private Security Authority (PSA). While the PSA oversees all security roles, it currently does not include a specific Close Protection licence. Instead, most licences issued under the PSA are for static guarding, door supervision, or event security.
This means that an operative in Ireland can legally work under a PSA security guard licence — but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re trained or qualified to provide Close Protection.
Why the Difference Matters
Close Protection is about far more than physical presence. A trained CPO anticipates risk, blends into the environment, and plans movements discreetly. They understand threat profiling, evacuation procedures, and how to protect without drawing attention.
Those skills are gained through SIA Close Protection training, not general security courses.
For clients, this distinction can be the difference between professional protection and a false sense of safety. An operative may be legally licensed to work, yet lack the depth of training needed when your safety or that of your principal depends on it.
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Common Misconception: ‘Licensed’ Means Qualified
In Ireland, it’s common to see companies advertise “licensed Close Protection” without clarifying which licence they mean. If that licence is PSA-only, the operative may never have received any Close Protection instruction.
This can cause serious misunderstanding — particularly for assistants or family offices managing security on behalf of someone else. It’s not about criticising the PSA, but recognising that its scope simply doesn’t extend to the advanced personal protection standards required at this level.
Due Diligence: What to Check Before You Hire
When arranging protection for a client or principal, here’s what proper due diligence looks like:
Ask for both licences – The operative should hold an SIA Close Protection licence and a PSA licence to operate legally in Ireland.
Check training certificates – Request proof of Close Protection training, not just general security qualifications.
Confirm experience – Look for former military or police backgrounds and proven private client experience.
Verify insurance and references – Professional CPOs will provide both without hesitation.
Review professionalism – The right team should demonstrate discretion, planning ability and calm under pressure — not visibility or bravado.
At VIS, we insist on both.
Every member of our team is an SIA-licensed Close Protection Officer and, if working in Ireland, holds a PSA licence, ensuring both compliance and competence.
It’s our way of guaranteeing that clients in Ireland receive the same high standard of protection as those we support in the UK.
Why VIS Protection Sets a Higher Standard
VIS Protection was founded by former British military professionals, and our whole team comprises operatives with a former police or military background. That background defines our approach: disciplined, discreet and accountable.
Many clients come to us after discovering their previous provider wasn’t correctly licensed or trained for Close Protection work. Our dual-licensing requirement removes that uncertainty. Every operative deployed under VIS meets both the UK’s rigorous SIA standard and Ireland’s PSA compliance.
For UHNWIs, executives and family offices who value privacy and professionalism, that combination provides reassurance: no shortcuts, no weak links.
Final Thought
Licensing isn’t a formality. It’s a benchmark of professionalism — proof that those entrusted with your safety have earned that responsibility.
As our founder Paul often says, “When lives and reputations are involved, you don’t want the minimum requirement. You want people who meet the highest standard — and prove it.”
Contact VIS Protection
If you’re arranging protection in Ireland and want to ensure your team is correctly licensed and trained, contact VIS Protection in confidence.
We’ll help you verify credentials and make the right call for your security.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between PSA and SIA licensing?
The PSA regulates all security services in Ireland, including guarding and event security, but it does not issue a specific Close Protection licence. The SIA, which operates in the UK, does — requiring advanced training in threat assessment, surveillance, and protective driving.
2. Do you need an SIA licence to work in Ireland?
Legally, security operatives in Ireland must hold a PSA licence. However, for professional Close Protection, VIS Protection requires all operatives to also hold an SIA Close Protection licence to ensure the same high standard of training applied in the UK.
3. What qualifications should a bodyguard or Close Protection Officer have?
A qualified Close Protection Officer should hold an SIA Close Protection licence, valid first aid certification, and, if operating in Ireland, a PSA licence. Many of VIS’ operatives are also former military or police, bringing valuable real-world experience.
4. How can I verify a security operative’s licence?
You can verify an operative’s SIA licence through the official SIA Register in the UK and check PSA licences via the PSA’s public database in Ireland. A professional provider like VIS Protection will always share these details transparently.
5. Why does VIS Protection require both PSA and SIA licences?
Because safety shouldn’t depend on minimum standards. Holding both ensures that every operative is legally compliant in Ireland and trained to the highest Close Protection standard under UK regulation — a dual assurance few firms offer.