Different Types of Security Guards: Which One Does Your Business Need?

What types of security guards are available in the UK, and which is right for your business?

If you’re thinking about hiring a security guard, one of the first questions to ask is: what kind of guard does your business actually need? In the UK, there are many different types of security guards, each with their own skills, licences, and ways of working. Some stay in one place and manage front desks or entrances. Others patrol large areas, handle crowds at events, or even work closely with high profile individuals.

The right choice depends on what you’re trying to protect. It could be your shop, your staff, your customers, or your property. It also depends on the security guard licence requirements as established by the Security Industry Authority, also known as the SIA. This article breaks it all down, so you can match the right type of security to your business needs.

Concierge Security Guards

Concierge guards are the people who greet you when you enter a residential building or office. They usually sit at reception and give a friendly welcome, but they also manage access, check who’s coming and going, and keep an eye on the place using CCTV.

These guards are good for businesses or properties that want someone who can be helpful and polite but still know what to do if something goes wrong. You’ll often see them in office buildings, private apartment blocks, or hotels. If their job includes handling disorderly behaviour or working somewhere that serves alcohol, they’ll need an SIA Door Supervisor licence.

Having a concierge guard service is a simple way to make visitors feel welcome while still having a safety net in place.

Retail Security Guards

Retail guards work in shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres to help prevent theft and support store staff. They might walk the floor, monitor CCTV, check bags if needed, or step in when someone causes trouble.

They often work in busy places, so they need to be alert, approachable, and able to deal with tricky situations calmly. If they’re hired through a security company, they must have an SIA Security Guard licence. If they’re dealing with behaviour in a shop that sells alcohol, they’ll need a Door Supervisor licence too.

Retail security helps shops protect their stock and give staff peace of mind, especially during busy periods like Christmas or big sale days.

Corporate Security Guards

A corporate security guard service help keep offices safe. They check access passes, monitor CCTV, respond to alarms, and sometimes help reception staff keep things running smoothly.

They’re often based in banks, law firms, tech companies, or business parks. Some need extra screening, especially if they work in buildings where sensitive information or high value equipment is kept.

If they’re using surveillance cameras or working for an external company, they’ll need the right SIA licence — either a Security Guard licence or a Public Space Surveillance licence, depending on the job.

For businesses with a steady flow of staff, clients, or contractors, corporate guards help keep things orderly and safe.

Mobile Patrol Guards

Mobile patrol guards move between different locations. They check on buildings, car parks, warehouses, or construction sites — often outside regular hours. They may drive or walk their routes, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

If they’re the first to respond to an alarm or they manage multiple sites, they’ll usually need a Security Guard licence. They might also need a Key Holding licence if they’re holding access keys or responding to lockouts. Some use mobile apps to log checks or report problems in real time.

Mobile patrol guards are a good fit for businesses that don’t need someone on site all day but still want regular security checks or a quick response if something happens.

Event Security Guards

Event guards manage crowds, control entry, and deal with any trouble that crops up during public or private events. You’ll see them at concerts, festivals, football matches, or conferences.

They check tickets, watch for signs of trouble, and help keep everyone safe. Because many events involve alcohol or are held at licensed venues, these guards need an SIA Door Supervisor licence to work legally.

Event security helps organisers meet safety rules and keep everything running smoothly, even when the crowds are large or lively.

Close Protection Officers

Close protection officers, often known as bodyguards, provide personal security for people who may face threats or want more privacy. They look after celebrities, executives, politicians, and others who need someone watching their back.

Their work includes planning travel routes, staying close during public appearances, checking locations beforehand, and making sure their client stays safe without drawing too much attention.

In the UK, anyone doing close protection work needs an SIA Close Protection licence. It’s a specialist security role, and the work can involve travel, long hours, and a lot of focus.

These officers are usually hired through agencies and work on a one to one basis or as part of a small team.

Static Security Guards

Static guards stay in one place, usually at a building entrance, gatehouse, or reception area. They log visitors, check IDs, keep an eye on CCTV, and make sure no one comes in who shouldn’t.

They’re common in banks, universities, hospitals, and business buildings. Their main job is to watch and report anything that doesn’t look right. They may also walk around the building during quiet times, especially overnight.

If they’re hired through a contract, they need a Security Guard licence. If they’re using surveillance cameras or dealing with licensed premises, extra licences might apply.

A static guard service is a good choice for places that want someone reliable and always present.

Construction Site Security Guards

Construction sites can be easy targets for theft or damage, especially when no one is working. Construction security guards patrol the site, check for signs of trespassing, and watch over valuable equipment and tools.

They often work overnight or on weekends and may need to work around heavy machinery or temporary fencing. A Security Guard licence is needed if they’re working under contract, and sometimes a CCTV licence too.

These guards help prevent delays and extra costs by stopping problems before they start.

Hospital Security Guards

Hospital guards deal with a mix of public and private spaces. They help manage access, deal with visitors, respond to aggressive behaviour, and support the safety of staff and patients.

They may be based at entrances or in emergency departments. In some settings, especially in mental health units, guards need extra training in handling difficult behaviour safely.

If the hospital hires them through a contractor, they’ll need the right SIA licence. If they’re directly employed by the NHS or a private healthcare provider, licensing depends on their exact duties.

They’re an important part of keeping calm and order in places where tensions can sometimes run high.

Maritime Security Guards

Maritime guards work in ports, on ships, or at offshore facilities like oil platforms. They check credentials, monitor cargo, and stop unauthorised access to secure areas.

Their job often includes working in tough environments and sometimes unusual hours. They must follow both UK security rules and international maritime regulations.

If they’re doing the job under contract, they need a Security Guard licence. Some roles might also require maritime security clearance or extra training, especially for international work.

This kind of guard helps protect against theft, smuggling, or security risks related to overseas trade.

What licences do security guards need in the UK?

Most security guard roles in the UK need an SIA licence. The licence you need depends on the job. If you’re guarding people, premises, or property under a contract for services, it’s a legal requirement. Some of the main types are:

• Security Guard licence for guarding premises and property

• Door Supervisor licence for licensed venues or roles involving conflict

• Close Protection licence for personal protection work

• Public Space Surveillance licence for CCTV work

• Key Holding licence for responding to alarms or managing building keys

• Cash and Valuables in Transit licence for moving money or valuable items securely

Businesses should always check that guards hold the right licence for their role. You can find more detail on SIA licence types and guidance.

Should you hire in house or use a security company?

Some businesses hire their own security staff. Others use a company that supplies guards. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Hiring in house gives you more control. You can choose who represents your brand, train them your way, and build long term relationships. This works well for places like corporate offices or residential buildings.

Using a security company gives you flexibility. You can cover staff absences, scale up during busy periods, and hand over responsibility for things like training and licensing. This works better for events, construction sites, or businesses with changing needs.

Think about your budget, how often you’ll need cover, and what kind of risks your site faces.

What trends are shaping security in the UK?

Security is always adapting. Here are a few trends more businesses are taking on board:

• Using CCTV with smart analytics to flag suspicious behaviour

• Giving guards body worn cameras for evidence and accountability

• Using mobile apps so guards can log patrols and incidents on the go

• Training guards in basic tech and surveillance tools

• Combining security with customer service, especially in places like retail and offices

Even with new tools and software, people still value having a trained professional on site who can step in when needed.