Diplomatic Protection Services | Dignitary Security UK

GSA’s Diplomatic Protection Services are designed to provide comprehensive security for visiting diplomats, foreign delegations, and government officials. We recognise that diplomatic assignments demand a unique balance of discretion, cultural sensitivity, and operational readiness. Our teams combine State-level expertise with international best practice to ensure seamless protection at every stage of an assignment.

Services include close personal protection, secure and discreet transport, advance site surveys, and residential security. Each engagement begins with a detailed risk assessment, allowing us to tailor measures to the specific profile of the delegation, anticipated threats, and the cultural expectations of our guests. Our personnel are experienced in working alongside embassy staff, host governments, and international agencies, ensuring effective coordination and minimal disruption to diplomatic schedules.

Whether overseeing high-level meetings, safeguarding residences, or managing security during public appearances, GSA delivers protection that is discreet, prepared, and precise. Our goal is to create a safe environment that allows diplomats and officials to focus on their duties with confidence.

International – Government Embassies Mission (I-GEM) Support

Alongside reviewing an embassy or mission’s physical infrastructure, GSA provides bespoke insight sessions for newly appointed or existing ambassadors, high commissioners and their staff in the UK.

Our International – Government Embassies Mission (I-GEM) support improves understanding of how the UK security, policing, and diplomatic network operates. GSA can also assist embassies or missions with security planning for incoming VIP visitors to the United Kingdom. This includes physical support and consultancy for London-based embassies, as well as on-the-ground attendance at conferences or summits.

We also advise diplomatic staff on how to report, prevent, and reduce crime, and how to manage protest activity, direct threats, or malicious communications targeting embassies and missions.

Visiting VIP Security Support

For official, working, or private visits to the United Kingdom, GSA provides tailored protection packages covering arrival through departure. These services are especially valuable for VIPs who do not meet the threshold for UK State-provided security but still require robust protection — for example, senior bankers, CEOs, international royalty, or ministers of state.

Our team includes former close protection officers drawn from the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) command. With direct experience managing VIP visits and strong liaison links into UK police forces and government departments, we ensure visits are smooth, secure, and professionally managed.

Protection operatives coordinate closely with private offices, venues, hosts, and event locations. Support can be extended with executive vehicles, including armoured options, and highly trained security drivers — suitable for individual VIPs or delegations attending conferences and summits.

Buildings, Property and People

The inviolability of diplomatic premises is enshrined in law under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). GSA provides independent and comprehensive security reviews of diplomatic residences, offices, and assets in the UK.

An accredited GSA Security Coordinator will assess vulnerabilities to a range of threat vectors and provide a clear report with recommendations for target-hardening and strengthening measures. These improvements reduce risks to both premises and occupants.

This reassurance is particularly relevant in today’s climate of political division, where embassies and missions often face protest activity. GSA also offers specialist security guarding capability, staffed exclusively by former police and military personnel.

For embassies and missions seeking to employ UK-based personnel, GSA provides vetting and due diligence services to ensure prospective staff meet the highest standards of trustworthiness and reliability.

Diplomatic Staff Support – Conference and Summit Attendance

The UK can be a complex environment for newly appointed diplomatic staff. This complexity intensifies when the UK Government hosts high-level conferences or summits involving international delegations and ministers of state.

GSA supports diplomatic staff, Charges D’Affaires, and political secretaries through bespoke insight sessions on navigating the UK government landscape. Our liaison teams assist with pre-event engagement with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and provide guidance on accreditation, airport liaison, driver and vehicle provision, search procedures, accommodation, and overall delegation logistics.

On the ground, GSA provides continuity and practical support throughout the event, ensuring your delegation is well-prepared, professionally represented, and able to focus on achieving its objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is I-GEM support?

I-GEM (International – Government Embassies Mission) is a specialist service offered by GSA. It provides embassies and missions with security consultancy, insight sessions, and on-the-ground support. This includes helping diplomatic staff understand the UK’s security, policing, and diplomatic networks, preparing for VIP visits, and managing risks such as protest, crime, or malicious threats.

Does GSA provide security for visiting VIPs?

Yes, GSA offers comprehensive security packages for VIPs visiting the UK who may not qualify for State-provided security. Examples include senior executives, international royalty, and ministers of state. We provide close protection, secure vehicles (including armoured options), and highly trained drivers to ensure smooth and safe visits.

Can GSA review the security of diplomatic premises?

Absolutely, GSA conducts independent security reviews of embassies, residences, and diplomatic properties in the UK. Our accredited Security Coordinators assess vulnerabilities, provide recommendations, and advise on target-hardening measures. We can also provide experienced guarding staff drawn from police and military backgrounds.

Do you offer support during conferences and summits?

Yes, GSA assists diplomatic delegations attending UK-based conferences and summits. We provide pre-event guidance, liaison with the FCDO, and practical support such as accreditation, transport coordination, hotel security, and close protection. Our teams also provide on-the-ground continuity during the event itself.

Can GSA assist with recruitment for embassy staff?

Yes, GSA provide vetting and due diligence services for embassies and missions seeking to employ UK-based personnel, ensuring all staff meet strict security and reliability standards.