The journey began over 3 years at The Folly in London, where 35 women convened with no particular agenda, just a shared understanding of the value of connection and empowerment in our industry. From that initial meeting, a ripple effect set in motion an inspiring a series of events that deepen bonds, share insights, and a unified commitment to growing the presence and influence of women in security.

The HSBC event was a tremendous success, featuring a lineup of inspirational women in business and security. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, rooted in energy, passion, and confidence. We heard from:

• Emma Kay – Walksafe
• Smita Niranjan – Interr
• Colleen Harris –Portmarnock Group
• Saskia Garner – Suzy Lamplugh Trust
• Sophie Malone – Zinc Systems
• Chantal Anabtawi –Ocular
• Ruth Sharman – Carlisle Support Services
• Sarah Walker – Safer Business Network
• Gaby Price – Women’s Aid Luton 

The event emphasised that feeling safe is a foundation for success and overall well-being. When women feel protected, they are more empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute to their communities. The collective efforts of these trailblazing women are forging a future where security is rooted in purpose, collaboration, and proactive prevention.

Women in security recognise that a safer environment is fundamental to thriving both professionally and personally. With alarming statistics related to gender-based violence and domestic abuse,  women are driven to raise awareness and implement measures that protect everyone. By leveraging technology—such as incident reporting platforms, threat mapping, and data analysis—we aim to prevent harm and ensure safety in workplaces, public spaces, and during travel.

The women of Women in Security Network UK are demonstrating that change is not only necessary but achievable. Our passion and drive to equity and safety are setting a new standard—one where communication, connection, and shared purpose drive meaningful progress. Our aim is a more diverse, inclusive, and secure environment for all.

We are truly grateful to every person who attended this event, and we apologise to the massive waitlist who were unable to participate; however, this marks a positive step in continuing to grow these events and provide more opportunities. 

Who are the key players in shaping this vision? Liz Lloyd, Emma Harris and Sarah Jane Cork, who recognise that women coming together to collaborate, connect and communicate empower and uplift everyone.

The next events are:

• The Christmas Markets, which will provide an opportunity to share the festive season.
• International Women’s Day celebration at The Old Library in Digbeth, Birmingham on the 5th of March, 

More events will be announced on the Women in Security Network LinkedIn page

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Launched by the City of London Crime Prevention Association in November 2023, the Prevent Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse consortium –  Our Safer City – continues to build momentum, partnership, and impact across the Square Mile.  Here we share key highlights from the summer and upcoming plans for autumn:

Summer in Review

Listening to Women and Girls

The consortium launched its third survey to understand the experiences of women and girls in the City of London. Previous feedback  led to the introduction of initiatives such as Taxi Marshalling and Safe Havens.

Each response guides concrete improvements; if you haven’t responded or know someone who hasn’t, please take a moment to contribute and share the survey link: Our Safer City survey

Taxi Marshalling Impact

To date, Taxi Marshalling at Liverpool Street has facilitated 31,566 journeys with 57,295 passengers, of whom over half were women. Notably, more than 9,300 solo female journeys were supported – ensuring reliable, safe travel options during Thursday, Friday and Saturday late evenings.

Fundraising success

A standout event this summer was the CSSC Fundraising Dinner at 1 Lombard Street, supporting Our Safer City and Cross-sector Safety & Security Communications (CSSC).

Attendees from public and private sectors, industry, and law enforcement joined together for an evening of connection and generosity, raising £25,000 through a charity auction, raffle, and dinner. The event, introduced by Don Randall MBE  demonstrated strong support for prioritising safety across the City – thank you to everyone involved.

Looking ahead: Autumn Initiatives

Training and Events

Upcoming training sessions cover consent, workplace harassment, and domestic abuse awareness, delivered in partnership with The Skills Network and Solace. In-person opportunities include a special event in November: Our Safer City – Shaping Safe Workplaces – and a House of Lords roundtable discussion.

The full programme will be launched soon on the website Our Safer City and on Our Safer City LinkedIn page

16 Days of Action

This autumn, Our Safer City joins forces with City of London Police, City of London Corporation, Solace, and EIDA to support the international “16 Days of Action against Violence against Women and Girls” campaign.

Activities will focus on raising awareness and providing practical, accessible training.

The post Stronger together: summer progress and autumn plans for Our Safer City appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Landmark hotel and members’ club joins Our Safer City’s initiative to provide safe spaces for anyone feeling vulnerable.

In the City of London, the Safe Haven scheme is a vital part of the Our Safer City initiative, offering support to people whenever they feel vulnerable. Participating premises – from cafés and shops to offices and community venues – provide a safe and welcoming space where someone can pause, ask for help, or even recharge their phone.

The Ned joins the Safe Haven network

The latest addition to the Safe Havens in the City of London is The Ned. Situated next to Bank Junction in the former Midland Bank headquarters, The Ned has ten restaurants and bars, 250 hotel bedrooms, and a private members’ club and welcomes thousands of people through its doors every day.

Paul Gorry, Head of Security at The Ned, explained why the venue wanted to take part in this community initiative:

“High-profile incidents involving crimes against women in public spaces that have taken place in the UK over the last few years were deeply concerning and it highlights how we as a society can do more to prevent these crimes from occurring in the future. At The Ned we have a social responsibility towards our staff and guests/members, as well as members of the public, so from that perspective it made sense to take steps in involving The Ned in committing further to public safeguarding.”

Paul also shared why the scheme is important to him personally:

“It really resonates with me on both a professional and a personal level. We have a large volume of people that use this iconic venue to work, visit or stay in, and safety is at the top of our priorities here at The Ned. Additionally, being a husband, brother and a father, there are a lot of very important women in my life and I feel that I have a highly vested interest in protecting women against predatorial behaviour.”

Getting involved is simple

For a venue to become a Safe Haven, staff complete a short training session that equips them to offer reassurance and basic assistance. Once registered, the premises are listed on the Safe Haven app, making them easy for anyone in need of support to find.

Paul explained the inspiration behind The Ned’s decision to join: “I was fortunate enough to have attended an Expo last year where I was inspired by the great work that some exceptional people in Don Randall MBE, Chief Inspector Caroline Hay MBE, Ayesha Fordham from Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, and Sarah Walker from Women’s Night Safety Charter are doing regarding public safety.

“One of the key takeaways was the Safe Haven initiative and how fast it is growing. I knew this was something that I had to support. I then engaged with Lily Prior and Eren Bessim from Safer Business Network in arranging lots of internal training to get our team aligned, and once we were in the position to become a Safe Haven, we took the next step and went through the application process, and I’m thrilled that we are now part of this amazing initiative.”

A welcome addition in the heart of the City

Don Randall MBE, Chairman of the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the Our Safer City initiative, welcomed the news: “We are delighted that The Ned has become a Safe Haven. This iconic venue in such a central location will make a real difference to the feeling of wellbeing in this part of the City of London.”

Don also encouraged other premises to get involved: “If you run a shop, café, office, or community space in the City of London, joining the Safe Haven scheme is quick, simple. Your team will receive brief training and your premises will appear on the Safe Haven app, helping people know where to turn if they need reassurance or support.”

Find out more

To register your premises and help make the City of London a safer, more welcoming place for everyone, visit oursafercity.co.uk or email safehaven@oursafercity.co.uk.

Registration for the Safe Haven app is free – You can download from Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.

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The City Security Council (CSC) recently organised Exercise Iron Titan at London’s Cannon Street station, bringing together private security and emergency services to test their preparedness for a complex crisis.

This multi-phase initiative involved live deployments at Cannon Street Station, drawing lessons from historical tragedies while aiming to prepare for future challenges.

The exercise architecture

Lorraine Mansfield, the Exercise Lead, and Darren Pulman MSyI, Exercise Director,  orchestrated the complex logistics for Iron Titan into three components:

1. Live Deployment:

Over 450 personnel from British Transport Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, and private security teams responded to a simulated major incident at Cannon Street Station – a location chosen for its historical significance following the 1991 buffer stop collision that claimed two lives.

2. Observer Programme:

Led by Ray Marskell MSyl, this initiative provided real-time insights through live footage and site visits, demonstrating JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) in action.

3. Tabletop Simulation:

Graham Brown of Strategic Continuity engaged 36 businesses in a dynamic online scenario, enhanced by live feeds from the incident site.

Operational realities revealed

Participants confronted the harsh realities of crisis management in constrained urban environments. The exercise highlighted:

• Communication challenges between underground responders and surface teams
• Casualty management complexities in high-density transport hubs
• Business continuity pressures for nearby enterprises like Cannon Place and Cannon Bridge House.

The inclusion of volunteer casualties added visceral realism, while City of London Police Cadets and LFB Cadets provided crucial support roles

Strategic context

This exercise builds on the CSC’s previous exercises, including its 2020 Leadenhall Street chemical attack simulation involving 200 personnel. The 2025 iteration aligns with London’s evolving security landscape, incorporating lessons from global incidents, including the Manchester Arena attack. Key innovations included:

• Live-to-virtual integration: Real-time footage bridging physical and tabletop participants
• SME Hotline: Subject Matter Experts fielding queries from business groups during crises
• RAIB Collaboration: Incorporating Rail Accident Investigation Branch protocols into response frameworks.

Partnership Power

Exercise Iron Titan enabled private-public collaboration including:

• Network Rail and Southeastern Railway provided operational infrastructure
• Eastern City BID and City River Partnership facilitated business engagement
• Mitie, ISS, and CIS Security demonstrated private sector response capabilities.

Lessons for the security sector

Feedback identified critical improvement areas:

• Inter-agency terminology: Standardising communication protocols
• Resource allocation: Optimising specialist equipment deployment
• Crisis leadership: Enhancing decision-making hierarchies during prolonged incidents.

As security threats grow increasingly complex, such exercises prove essential for maintaining London’s status as a global financial hub.

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The most recent Our Safer City event at the Livery Hall, Guildhall in the City of London brought together leaders from policing, business and the charity sector.

Hosted by the City of London Corporation in conjunction with the City of London Crime Prevention Association (CoLCPA) and Our Safer City – the Prevent Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse consortium – aligned with Destination City, the event showcased a united approach for women’s safety and security.

Greg Moore: a historic and modern City

Greg Moore, Deputy Town Clerk of City of London Corporation, opened the event by reflecting on some of the Corporation’s unique responsibilities, from managing cultural venues like the Barbican to green spaces such as Hampstead Heath. Moore explained that a key aim is for “a safe, thriving City”, and that “CoLCPA plays a valuable role in making this the best City in the world.” He highlighted the City’s six-part corporate plan, with community safety and crime prevention as central pillars, and praised the partnership’s support for initiatives like Safe Havens and Taxi Marshalling.

Chief Superintendent Sanjay Anderson: policing the night time economy

Chief Superintendent Sanjay Anderson, City of London Police lead for VAWG and DA, described the City’s transformation into a 24/7 hub and the challenges of a thriving Night Time Economy (NTE). “For many, NTE is not downtime and it’s critical to create safe environments for all. No one should ever feel unsafe walking on our streets.” She noted the City Police’s alignment with government’s goal to halve VAWG within a decade.

Anderson highlighted the importance of reporting, partnerships, and proactive operations. She overviewed Operation Reframe, a monthly collaborative effort involving over 500 visits to licensed premises to address issues like drink spiking. “It’s everyone’s business,” she concluded, referencing new disruptive tactics like Servator VAWG, which targets hotspots and predatory behaviour.

Destination City: building a vibrant future

A video from Jen Beckerman, representing Destination City, traced the initiative’s evolution from a post-pandemic recovery strategy to a broader growth agenda. Beckerman highlighted how Destination City aimed to replace lost worker footfall with vibrant visitor activity. She celebrated the City’s renaissance, noting, “Liverpool Street is the busiest station – the City is the engine of the UK economy.” Beckerman detailed collective actions, cultural strategies, and partnerships, including the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to make the City “a place where people want to spend their time”, with a strong emphasis on safety, inclusion, and well-being.

Don Randall MBE: innovation and partnership

Don Randall MBE, Chairman of CoLCPA and Our Safer City, reflected on the City’s reputation for pioneering safety initiatives. He recounted the launch of Our Safer City in 2022 and its ten active initiatives, supported by grants from City partners. Randall emphasised, “The City is known everywhere for developing initiatives and sharing them,” reinforcing the value of collaboration in creating the safest business city globally.

Eren Bessim: practical safety initiatives

Eren Bessim from the Safer Business Network discussed two key initiatives: Safe Havens and Ask for Angela. “People want to go to places where people are trained,” Bessim noted, highlighting the importance of staff training and public awareness. He stressed that Safe Havens and Ask for Angela are “not just about bars and clubs”, but part of a dynamic ecosystem for safety. With thousands of SIA-licensed security staff and high turnover in hospitality, Bessim advocated for ongoing training, regular testing, and effective partnerships, adding, “It’s easy to become a Safe Haven – training only takes 40 minutes.” The Safe Haven app was also promoted as a tool for the community.

Chief Inspector Caroline Hay MBE: a four-pronged police approach

Chief Inspector Caroline Hay outlined the City of London Police’s four Ps strategy: Prepare, Protect, Pursue, Prevent for preventing violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. She described data-led operations, targeted interventions at vulnerable venues, and the use of youth advisory groups and drink spiking tests. “Premises want to be proactive,” she said, emphasising the importance of early intervention, safe spaces, and the role of male allies.

Nahar Choudhury: Solace’s holistic support

Nahar Choudhury from Solace, London’s largest domestic abuse service provider, described the organisation’s feminist, inclusive approach: “There is a VAWG epidemic – a crisis – so it is excellent to hear about the Our Safer City initiative.” Solace supports 18,000 women and children annually, offering prevention, intervention, and recovery services. Choudhury highlighted the importance of survivor voices, intersectional support, and early education, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the criminal justice system and funding constraints.

Ayesha Fordham: the crucial role of employers

Ayesha Fordham, from the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), emphasised the crucial role that workplaces play in tackling domestic abuse. She introduced EIDA’s “3 Rs” model: Recognise, Respond, Refer. “Employers are often a lifeline for staff experiencing abuse,” Fordham said, pointing out that with over 2,000 member organisations, EIDA is building a network of support across the UK workforce. She encouraged employers to be proactive: “It’s not just about policies, but about creating a culture where people feel safe to speak up and seek help.” Fordham also highlighted the importance of training, awareness campaigns, and signposting to specialist services.

Shital V: The power of lived experience

Survivor and advocate Shital V shared a powerful personal testimony, reminding the audience, “Domestic abuse is not choosy… it can happen to anyone, happens in plain sight.” She described the daily realities of coercive control and the barriers to seeking help, including fear of not being believed and concerns about children, jobs, and housing. Shital emphasised the need for understanding and empathy, especially for those from marginalised backgrounds.

Our Safer City is supported by the City of London Corporation’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund

Andrea Berkoff

Editor

City Security magazine

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The Association of Security Consultants (ASC) recently held a conference on Travel Risk Management (TRM) at the British Library, sharing best practice from experts in the field on the latest strategies and technologies.

ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, opened the event and explained how the ASC is evolving to support a holistic approach to security, incorporating cyber, aiming to create a collaborative learning environment.

Key themes and Takeaways

The conference featured presentations and panel discussions covering a range of critical topics within TRM. Here are some key highlights:

How to help clients with Travel Risk Management (TRM) programmes: Nick Hyman stressed the importance of understanding a client’s organisational structure, the relationship between departments and their responsibilities, and their risk appetite. He recommended understanding the environment they work in – the nature of their industry, the geography and the related legislation. He advised against criticising existing programmes and instead advocated for extending current policies and reducing the number of tools used for cost efficiency. He strongly recommended individual risk assessments, brief training and post-trip follow-up.

Travel security programming: adopting an intelligence-led approach: Sybilline’s Luke Brawn, Sasha Skovron and Tom Carter presented the value of an intelligence-led approach to TRM, introducing the basic programme building blocks of Planning, training, 24×7 monitoring and incident response. They highlighted the central roles of proactive threat identification, real-time situational awareness and targeted risk mitigation. They proposed that predictive intelligence demonstrates its value through saved costs, time saved, traveller assurance, and operational continuity.

International SOS: Dr Phillippe spoke about their role in providing a 24/7 global response with an international global infrastructure.

Leveraging technology for traveller protection: John Seddon of People Safe showcased technology designed to protect travelling staff, including lone workers. A survey they conducted revealed that 60% of people feel less safe during their commute, with women experiencing higher perceptions of risk and a significant percentage experiencing harassment.

Panel discussion: key challenges and future considerations: The panel addressed some of the ongoing challenges in TRM:

• TRM should be viewed an enabler, not a hindrance.
• Proper training is required, especially for individuals travelling to high-risk locations. Scenario-based training was recommended to make learning more engaging and impactful.
• For general travel security online training, brevity is recommended since most people are time-poor and have much training to do.
• There is a need to shift from “duty of care” to “duty of responsibility”, empowering employees to understand their roles in ensuring their own safety.
• Establishing a clear return on investment for TRM programs remains difficult.
• Moving beyond superficial compliance – the ‘tick-box culture’ – to a culture of genuine safety and resilience is crucial.
• Organisations need to more fully integrate how they use available intelligence to inform their TRM strategies.
• The panel discussed how duty of care is becoming wider due to factors like evolving perceptions of safety in different countries, and the increasing desire for employees to work from anywhere.

The ASC’s Travel Risk Management conference provided a useful insight into the current state and future direction of this critical field. There was an emphasis on understanding client needs, leveraging intelligence, utilising technology, and prioritising training in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Andrea Berkoff. Editor

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 On Friday 21st February, the 2025 Sheriffs’ Award Reception was held in the Judges’ Dining Room at the Old Bailey.

This reception event officially launches the Sheriffs’ award for Bravery call for nominations.  This is an annual Award which was initiated by The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals following the London bombings in July 2005.  It recognises individuals who have acted to confront danger to another person, without consideration for their own safety.

The Master of the Company, Michael Thwaites opened proceedings and thanked the Sheriffs for hosting the event and the assembled guests for their support of the Sheriffs’ Award and then Junior Warden, Andrew Knights, shared the purpose and history of the awards.

The guests were able to see the Roll of Honour Board mounted outside the Judges’ Dining Room and the Book of Honour with all the Principal Recipients Citations recorded in the book.

Alderman and Sheriff Gregory Jones urged guests to read the book of citations and commented on the acts of bravery recorded in the book.  Whilst sharing how moved the Sheriffs had been to see the details of the actions contained in the nominations they had been asked to judge in 2024.

Nominations are now being sought from the City of London, Security Industry and Blue light services across the United Kingdom for the 2025 Award and are open to any person, whether a member of the public, the Emergency Services, the Armed Forces or anyone employed in the Security Industry.  The closing date for this year’s nominations is 1 August 2025.

The Award is a highly prestigious one with the Principal Recipient receiving a trophy, a framed certificate and £5,000 as well as recognition on the honours board and in the honours book.

If you know someone who deserves to be nominated, please submit your nomination on the WCoSP website: Sheriffs’ Award for Bravery – WCoSP or you can contact the Clerk, via email – clerk@wcosp.org

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Since its launch fifteen months ago Prevent Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse – Our Safer City continues to make an impact. Here are some highlights:

Taxi Marshalling

Providing a safe place to wait for a black cab, the marshals, who are licensed black cab drivers, manage and control the queue, prevent conflicts, and encourage black cabs to attend this location at night. Since launch:

35,447   Total passengers

50.22%  Female passengers

33.1%      Lone female passengers

Perception Surveys

Two surveys have been carried out to identify perceptions of safety in the City, coupled with Oxford Partnership data on hotspots to highlight where to target resources.

Safe Havens

43 Safe Haven locations in the City of London – offering temporary refuge to support to someone feeling vulnerable or needing support for their journey home.

Ask for Angela

210 Venues support for those who feel vulnerable on a night out, with a discreet way to access help.

Awards 

Winner: OSPA for Community Security Partnership

Winner: Security Partnering Initiative of the Year (alongside the Safer Business Network and others) at the Security & Fire Excellence Awards.

Thank you to our partners and supporters including; City of London Corporation; City of London Crime Prevention Association; Eastern City BID; Aldgate Connect BID; The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals; Safer Business Network and QCIC Ltd.

Find out more at Our Safer City.

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On International Women’s Day 2025, Howden encouraged businesses to #AccelerateAction by prioritising social safety at work, creating environments where women feel respected, supported and empowered to thrive.

As 53% of women have experienced workplace sexual harassment and the impact of domestic abuse is widespread, Howden is urging businesses to act.

Cheryl Brennan, Managing Director, Howden Employee Benefits, states, “Employers have a responsibility to make safety central to their company culture. This extends far beyond policies – comprehensive training and education at all levels is essential to ensure women feel safe, supported and confident in accessing help when needed.

Managers, colleagues and bystanders should be empowered to recognise signs of abuse and understand the crucial role they play in creating a safe workplace. Just as businesses have embraced menopause support, we must do the same for preventing harassment and supporting those affected by domestic abuse.”

Cheryl recommends key actions employers can take:

1. Make safety and inclusion a core part of company culture
2. Promote and communicate internal and external support services. For example, in London, initiatives like Safe Havens, safe walking routes, and taxi marshalling can make the difference between a safe journey home after a work event or not – but only if employees are aware of these services and can access them when they need them most
3. Provide anonymous platforms and dedicated HR contacts for employees to report concerns
4. Support employees beyond the workplace, recognising that domestic abuse impacts performance
5. Train managers to recognise signs of abuse or harassment and offer appropriate support
6. Join the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) to collaborate with other organisations and share best practice.

By creating safer workplaces, businesses foster stronger, more inclusive teams where everyone can succeed.

Howden hosted the “Our Safer City – Partnership to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” event at its City of London offices last September.

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2025 is set to be a special year for a number of reasons. Not only is it The Security Institute’s 25th anniversary year, but it is also one which is set to see the culmination of our efforts as an organisation over the past 12 months – 12 months which have seen significant change in the Institute and 12 months I couldn’t be more proud of as its Chief Executive Officer.

The changing face of security

Firstly, I’d like to highlight all those who attended and contributed to our remarkable annual conference, ‘The Changing Face of Security’, on  16 October 2024 at the impressive Royal Society of Medicine, London. This event was one of our most successful yet, drawing over 250 attendees, and it was refreshing to witness such dynamic engagement across the programme.

Digital transformation: preparing for the future

One of our major initiatives in the last year was been complete overhaul of our website and CRM, designed to improve the digital experience for all our Members. You can visit our new site here: Security Institute

Strategic plan: defining our future

Our future direction has been outlined in our newly developed Strategic Plan. This plan captures our vision, mission, and core values, focusing on three essential pillars: Membership, Professionalisation, and Influence. These pillars are central to our mission of driving professionalism and influence within the security sector, and they will guide our activities and priorities as we move forward.

Streamlining and strengthening Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

A major part of our strategic vision is the evolution of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). As part of our Membership and SIG Review, we have reduced the number of SIGs from seventeen to eight, allowing us to concentrate our resources on the areas that matter most and maximise the impact of each group.

The streamlined SIGs are:

• Counter Terrorism SIG (CTSIG)
• Protective Security SIG (PROSSIG)
• Insider Risk SIG (IRSIG)
• Front Line Operatives SIG (FLOSIG)
• Security Education, Academia, Training & Standards SIG (SEATSSIG)
• Cyber SIG (CYSIG)
• AI & New and Emerging Technologies SIG (AI NESTSIG)
• Intelligence Community SIG (ICOSIG)

Protective Security Apprenticeship (Level 4): shaping the future workforce

Another exciting initiative on the horizon is the launch of our Protective Security Apprenticeship (PSA) at Level 4, which will be available to both government and industry. This programme, created by a dedicated trailblazer group, will offer training across various security disciplines – cyber, personal, physical, and technical –providing new pathways into the security sector. The public consultation for this apprenticeship began on 15 October, and we welcome all feedback as we fine-tune the programme ahead of its launch next spring/summer.

Baroness Ruth Henig Scholarship: Supporting emerging talent

This past summer, we launched the Baroness Ruth Henig Scholarship, a bursary programme designed to support aspiring security professionals as they pursue training and development. This first round of applications was met with tremendous enthusiasm, and we awarded over ten scholarships. By supporting these talented individuals, we’re once again investing in the future of security by helping the next generation develop the tools and skills that best serve.

Upcoming events: what we have in store

In 2025, we have a range of events planned, each aiming to foster collaboration, celebrate achievement, and advance our collective knowledge.

Of particular note is the Celebrating Women in Security Conference on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, which coincides with International Women’s Day. This event will spotlight the vital contributions of women in our industry, featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers and activities.

Our Security Education & Learning Summit takes place in May, our Young People’s Skill Building in June, our AGM in July, our Annual Conference in October and a special 25th Anniversary Gala to close off the year. Exciting stuff, and we have many more smaller, regional events as well as a whole host of educational webinars to pack out our calendar.

Final thoughts

As we begin 2025, I want to express my gratitude to each Member, speaker, SIG participant, partner and our Head Office team. Together, we are making strides towards a professional, resilient, and inclusive security industry. I look forward to the year ahead and to building on the foundation we’ve laid together.

Professor Simon Hepburn MA MCMI FRSA

Chief Executive Officer

The Security Institute

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