SIA Launches Refresher Training for Close Protection Operatives: What You Need to Know

Introduction

In a significant move to boost the safety and competency of security professionals, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has announced a major update to the Close Protection licence renewal process.

Starting from 1 October 2025, a new refresher training requirement will come into play, becoming mandatory by licence expiry from 1 April 2026. This blog explores what’s changing, why it matters, and how it impacts Close Protection operatives and the wider industry.

Background: What Has Changed Over the Years?

• April 2022: The SIA introduced updated licence-linked qualifications for Close Protection. At the same time, “top-up” awards became required for renewals.

• October 2022: The “top-up” training was fully launched, making it a prerequisite for renewal.

  
  

But as the industry evolves, even well-trained professionals can experience skills fade, especially in areas critical to safety and public protection.

What’s New: Refresher Training from October 2025

As of 1 October 2025, the SIA will begin offering a new refresher qualification designed to refresh and reinforce safety-critical skills.

Key components of this refresher training include:

• Physical intervention

• Conducting searches

• Protecting people in vulnerable situations

• Terror threat awareness

  
  

  This training complements a requisite Level 3 first aid qualification, which operatives must hold before enrolling.

  
  

When Does It Become Mandatory?

• Available from: 1 October 2025

• Mandatory from: 1 April 2026, for all licence renewals after this date.

  
  

This timeline mirrors arrangements previously applied to door supervision and security guarding, providing a six‑month window to prepare.

Why the Change?

Tony Holyland, Head of Individual Standards at the SIA, emphasised:

“Close protection operatives are security professionals tasked with protecting individuals from threats. The refresher training … is designed to ensure that operatives continue to have the skills and knowledge to undertake aspects of their role safely.”

Engaging subject-matter experts, the SIA identified areas prone to skills fade and ensured that the new content responds to evolving threats and public safety needs.

Implications for Licence Holders

• Licence holders renewing before 1 April 2026 can still rely on the existing “top-up” training.

• Those renewing on or after 1 April 2026 must complete the new refresher training.

• First aid qualifications remain a core requirement and must be presented to training providers. (GOV.UK)

• The refresher also ensures continued eligibility to work in roles like door supervising or security guarding using a CP licence.

What Should You Do?

1. Check your licence expiry: If renewal falls after April 2026, plan ahead for the new requirement.

2. Ensure you have a valid Level 3 first aid qualification, like FAW, FPOS, or FREC, before scheduling your refresher.

3. Plan training timing: Start booking refresher training from 1 October 2025 to allow plenty of time before renewal deadlines.

4. Stay informed: The SIA plans to review and update licence-linked qualifications over the next two years.

   
   

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Refresher Availability	From 1 October 2025
Mandatory From	Licence renewals on/after 1 April 2026
Core Content	Physical intervention, searches, vulnerability protection, terror awareness
First Aid Requirement	Level 3 first aid needed before training
Predecessor	Replaces “top-up” training required since October 2022
Rolling Timeline	6-month transition for industry readiness
Future Updates	SIA to review and refresh qualifications over the next 2 years

Conclusion

The new SIA refresher training marks a pivotal step toward enhancing the professionalism and competency of Close Protection operatives in the UK.

Operational safety, evolving threat landscapes, and public protection are at the heart of this shift.

By planning early, staying current with first aid qualifications, and completing the refresher promptly from October 2025, licence holders will ensure smooth renewals and continued trust from clients and the public.

What are we doing to help

We will be providing more SIA Close Protection Top Up courses for you to book onto before the changes take place. There will be additional courses available as well for the first aid refreshers

CP Top-up courses can be found on our website already, with more dates to be added.

Click here for more info.