The Judging

The Judging Process

For the 2025 Awards, the judging will take place during September/October, when the judges will review and score the submissions for each category.

The entries are judged remotely by an independent panel of industry experts. Scores, using the supplied entry criteria as a guide, are awarded by each allocated judge to each entry. The judges scores are then aggregated to identify the successful applicants for each category, and these entrants make up the official shortlist, and ultimately the winners.

The judging process is always based purely on the entry form content and support material that has been received via the online entry form prior to the close of the entry deadline.

Please enter with the confidence that your entries will be treated honestly and fairly, regardless of status or commercial interest. If you enter and are shortlisted, or indeed win, then this achievement will be based purely on the merit of your online application.

Judges 2025

Dr Alison Wakefield CSyP FSyI, Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, University of West London

Dr Alison Wakefield CSyP FSyI is Professor of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of West London. She is also a Chair Emeritus of the Security Institute, Senior Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, Commissioner on the National Preparedness Commission, and Academic Adviser to the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority.

Alison’s current research focuses on technologies that can enhance security practice, her recent publications including Security and Crime: Converging Perspectives on a Complex World (Sage, 2021), and research for the ASIS Foundation on the threats, risks and opportunities presented by autonomous vehicles.

Caroline Bashford, Training Centre Manager, Optimal Risk Group

Caroline Bashford has a background in major corporate project management and business development and a number of years’ experience at the forefront of the security training market.

Having spent many years in International business, Caroline joined the security industry in 2012. A passionate believer in education and development she has worked with a number of leading security training companies, developing and delivering cutting edge, innovative courses in security and crisis management internationally.

A long term member and supporter of ASIS International UK she served on the Board for 6 years championing the industry and supporting education, training and women in security. She was honoured to receive an award for services to the industry.

Chris Stevens, Security Institute Director / Specialist Security and Risk Director, SIDOS UK

Chris Stevens holds a BSc in Policing and an MSc in Security Studies and is a Chartered Security Professional. Having achieved Chartership was essential, as clients look to select a consultant who has security as their career, and it shows as being at the highest level of the industry.

A former counterterrorism Police Officer, now a director of a multi-award-winning security consultancy. Having in-depth knowledge of threats and vulnerabilities delivered in physical security through pragmatic and realistic methods.

An active member of the security industry, currently serves as a Vice Chair and Director of the Security Institute, leading in Protective Security and the Built Environment.

Claire Humble, Director, Nuparadigm

Following a highly successful policing career which saw Claire Humble advanced to

senior leadership levels in Cleveland and New Zealand Police, Claire has

transitioned over to the corporate world, founding an Independent Security

Consultancy and Training business, Nuparadigm.

As an accomplished transformational change agent, Claire has positively impacted many organisations' culture, people, and processes, nationally and globally.

Claire holds a Master’s in International Security that complements her vast experience in security, threat, risk and resilience. Advocating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion,

Claire is the Chair of the Security Commonwealth and sits on multiple Boards and working groups including, TINYg, NAHS and IFPO.

As a Security expert Claire has travelled globally delivering security, risk and resilience consultancy training for clients such as Formula One, NATO and Canary Wharf Group.

David Thorp: Executive Director, Business Continuity Institute (The BCI)

David Thorp has over 30 years of experience as a senior leader in professional bodies. His professional background encompasses marketing and learning and development. He originally determined on a career in Law but decided Marketing would offer far more scope to his creative ambitions. By chance he became Marketing Director of a Training Business and realised his true passion was for developing people in the workplace.

From this point it was a logical step to entering the world of the professional body, where the daily focus is on developing personal and organisational capacity. He started with the Chartered Institute of Marketing where he filled various roles including Director of Thought Leadership, Director of Training and Director of Research and Professional Development. He was also at this time General Manager of the Sales Leadership Alliance. His next role was as Managing Director of The Security Institute and from there he moved to the BCI, where he has been Executive Director since 2016.

David Ward, CEO, MS Webb

David Ward is an experienced security professional with nearly 30 years of expertise across various security disciplines. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality security services and successfully expanded his own security company into one of the UK’s leading providers, renowned for exceptional turnover and audit performance.

As the founder and inaugural Chair of the City Security Council (CSC), he works with fellow board members to enhance incident response strategies within the City of London during major crises. He also serves on the Metropolitan Police Independent Advisory Group. He is honoured to hold the titles of Freeman of the City of London and Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals.

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List for services to charity. He has been a Chartered Security Professional since 2022 — a designation held by only around 300 individuals worldwide — and a Fellow of the Security Institute since the same year.

Additionally, he is an approved assessor for the Secure Innovation Security Review programme, developed in collaboration between the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Dawn Holmes, Security Manager, CSyP

Dawn Holmes has 20+ years’ experience as a senior security professional, physical security specialist and consultant.

Having benefitted from working within several different sectors, Dawn has a broad experience with organisational and operational risks and solutions for different industries.

Dawn has managed technical systems and has a holistic approach when it comes to applying technical solutions and ensuring all security solutions are relevant and fit the organisational risks and needs.

An advocate for diversity and attracting the next generation of talent to the Security Profession, Dawn seeks out innovation and steps to modernise the industry.

Don Randall, MBE, Chief Executive, Don Randall Associates

Don Randall served with the City of London Police from 1969-1995, with specific emphasis on fraud and counter terrorism. Following 13 years at JPMorgan Chase as Managing Director, he joined the Bank of England in 2008 and was appointed the Bank’s first Chief Information Security Officer in 2013.

Don is chairman of the ‘Sister Banks’, City of London Crime Prevention Association and ‘Project Griffin’ and a member of the City of London Crime Disorder Reduction Panel. He is also a member of the London First Security Advisory Board, Executive Member of the London Resilience Board, Chairman of the London Resilience Business Sector Panel and Co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Cross Sector Safety & Security Communications initiative.

Don is a Fellow of the Security Institute and a Chartered Security Professional. He has also served as an external lay member of the City of London Police Committee.

In 2007, Don was awarded an MBE for services to law enforcement for the harmonisation of the public/private sectors. He was presented with a Security Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Profession in 2013 and in 2015 was a recipient of the International Police and Public Safety 9/11 Commendation Medal. In 2018 he received the UK OSPAs Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by the Security Institute.

Don is currently a Senior Security Advisor to several major firms engaged in the following areas: cyber security, legal and regulatory, physical and technical security, international close protection, pre-employment screening, risk management, counter-terrorism, trans-national criminal activities, asset recovery and fraud investigations.

Farah Benis, Founder and Managing Director, FFA Security Group

Farah Benis is the Founder and Managing Director of FFA Security Group, a firm specialising in physical protection, risk consulting, and security management. She also serves as a Board Director for ASIS UK and sits on the Advisory Board of IFPO UK.

With over 15 years of leadership experience across Africa and the Middle East, Farah built FFA Security Group on principles of ethical practice and positive impact. She is a staunch advocate for female leadership in the security profession and regularly contributes to advancing diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Farah is the Founder of the Centre for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (CPVAWG), a think tank dedicated to research, education, and systemic change. She also advises numerous organisations and local authorities on women’s safety and VAWG, has served as a UN Women UK Delegate for CSW67, CSW68, and CSW69, and is both an Ask for Angela Ambassador and a White Ribbon Champion.

Geoff Brown, Head of Community Safety and Campus Security, University of Leeds, Chair of AUCSO (Association of University Chief Security Officers)

Geoff Brown completed a 30-year career within the Police, Firearms support, Close protection and Tactical advisor

Retired in 2012 and headed to Iraq to work for an Oil company as a security consultant.

2014 he became the security manager at University of York rebranded the security team into an engaging and supportive Campus Safety Team, which coincided with the development of the state-of-the-art Campus Safety hub and control room.

Transferring to University of Leeds with the desire to rebrand their security team and transform it’s out of date centre into a modern development.

Geoff an active member of the AUCSO since 2014 took over the role of Chair in 2025

Gerald Moor, CEO, The Inkerman Group

Gerald Moor's career includes 20 commissioned years in the British Army where he was involved in the International intelligence arena including counter terrorism. On leaving the Services, he founded and ran a manufacturing business, where he also invented and developed the World’s only back mounted propulsion system with a variable speed control; a business he sold.

Gerald has been a director of the British Sports Manufacturing Association and Chairman of the Diving Trade Association, has been Chairman of a hospital offering innovative services and Governor of a State Community College. He sold his first business in 1996 and went on to establish The Inkerman Group in the same year, where he is the CEO. He was Master of the Worshipful Company of the Security Professionals in 2012 – 2013 and is now Past Master Emeritus and also a Liveryman of Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

Gerald is a Freeman of the City of London, a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), a member of the Special Forces Club, the London Livery Club and the Carlton Club. He is seen as an industry recognised leader in the world of Specialist Security both in the UK but also abroad where he is the owner and CEO of Deutsche Inkerman Gmbh. He enjoys fly fishing and shooting.

Graham Bassett MSyI, FREC, FInstSMM, Director, gbruk

Graham Bassett has worked in the security sector for over 25 years. He is the Co-Founder of AllSecurityEvents.com and involved in variety of volunteer roles within the security community to include:

Chair/Director of the City Security Council, Trustee of PTSD Resolution (UK Veterans Mental Health Charity), Trustee of the City of London Police Children’s Charity, ASIS European Regional Board Committee Member, Board Member of the Security Commonwealth, CSSC Executive London Team, Committee Member of the City of London Crime Prevention Association, City Security Magazine Editorial Team, Member and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, Freeman of the City of London, member of the Security Institute and the founding Director of GBRUK a niche London based search/recruitment consultancy.

Recipient of various volunteer industry awards over the years to include the OSPAs Lifetime Achievement Award.

Guy Mathias FSyI, F.ISRM Chair, Eastern & South-East Regions, Cross Sector Safety & Security Cascade (CSSC)

Guy Mathias is a subject matter expert on Extremism and a former recipient of the prestigious “UK Security Manager of the Year Award for Services to Industry".

He served as Chair of The UK Pharmaceutical Industry Security Forum.

He lectures on the threat posed by Extremism to International Security, Police & UK Government bodies.

Guy was a corporate security advisor to Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK).

A Fellow of the Security Institute, Guy served a six-year elected Director period as Validation Board Chair & Strategy Director.

In 2017, he was appointed Chair of the Food & Drink Security Association. In 2018 he was appointed Chair of Eastern Region Cross Sector Safety & Security Cascade (CSSC). In 2019 he was appointed Chair of The Security Commonwealth Board until 2021 to then become Immediate Past Chair and was also chosen amongst the top ten thought leaders at the 2019 edition of IFSEC’s Global Influencers.

In 2025 he was also appointed Chair of South-Eastern Region Cross Sector Safety & Security Cascade (CSSC) and was appointed as Chair of the Risk & Security Management Forum (RSMF).

Guy is currently the Strategic Risk Advisor to Dardan Security and the SSH Group.

Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network

Hannah has 20 years’ experience in community safety, security, and crime prevention, with a proven track record of delivering strategic change and building collaboration between government, police, businesses, and local communities.

As CEO of Safer Business Network, Hannah has led efforts to improve public safety through intelligence-led partnerships, training, and community engagement. She is an advocate for women’s safety, ensuring businesses actively play a role in protecting staff, customers, and communities. She also oversees SBN Training, which delivers accredited courses on crime prevention, workplace safety, and vulnerability awareness for security professionals, frontline staff, and business leaders.

Hannah also serves as a non-executive director at the Security Industry Authority (SIA), shaping the future of the security industry.

Under her leadership, the organisation has worked extensively with high streets, small businesses, and the private security sector, ensuring that frontline staff, security officers, customer service teams, and venue staff are equipped with the confidence, skills and resources to enhance public safety.

A passionate advocate for reducing violence against women and girls and improving safeguarding, Hannah has led national campaigns tackling vulnerability. These include WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement, Ask for Angela and Spiking Awareness, and the Mayor of London’s Women’s Night Safety Charter, initiatives that have driven cultural change and improved safety standards.

Ian Moore OBE, CEO, Fire Industry Association

Ian Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fire Industry Association (FIA). The FIA, with over 1,200 member companies, is a not-for-profit trade association with the aim of promoting the professional status of the UK fire safety industry.

As Europe’s largest trade association for the fire protection industry, the FIA’s main objective is to promote the professional standards of the fire industry through close liaison and lobbying with Government and key organisations in the industry.

The FIA reinvests any profit into research projects with the aim of improving public safety. In addition, the FIA trains over 8,000 engineers per year to a Nationally recognised level.

In the 2025 New year’s Honours List, Ian was awarded an OBE for his services to the fire industry and public safety.

Iskandar Jefferies CPP, Msyl, EMEA Director Enterprise, Pinkerton

Iskandar Jefferies is an accomplished security professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He started his career on the frontline and has since gained extensive expertise in various market landscapes, from high-risk and hostile environments to corporate settings.

In addition to his role as a EMEA Director Enterprise - at Pinkerton. He serves as an Advisor to the Board of the International Foundation for Protection Officer (IFPO) and is a Global Committee Member of ASIS International, specifically focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). He has also served on the Board of Directors for ASIS International UK: Director DE&I & Director of Young Professionals, respectively.

Iskandar's contributions to the UK security industry are significant, as he actively participates and engages with various industry events and initiatives. His dedication and expertise have been recognized, being awarded the Freedom of the City of London in July 2019.

Iskandar brings a fresh and distinctive perspective to the realms of leadership, mentorship, coaching, and support. With his extensive experience in the security industry, he possesses both in-depth knowledge and a forward-thinking mind-set, Iskandar's unique perspective sets him apart. He is passionate about the future of the security industry and strives to empower others to succeed. With a strong commitment to the field, Iskandar embodies excellence and is a driving force within the industry.

Jayne King, Immediate Past Chair, Security Commonwealth / Head of Security & Site Services, Central Services – Essentia, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Jayne King is currently Head of Security and Site Services at the world-renowned Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, one of the oldest and largest hospitals in the UK.

Jayne has extensive strategic and operational experience managing Security services and is the subject matter expert in the field of Healthcare Security. In her role at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust one of her key priorities has been the building of partnership links and the promotion of community working within the security setting.

She is a passionate advocate for the promotion of inclusion at all levels in the security industry and in 2021 set up the Security Commonwealth Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity (EDI) network group that in February 2021 proudly introduced the first Security sector EDI award at the outstanding Security Performance awards (OSPAs)

She is the current President of the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS), an advisory Board member for the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and is the immediate past Chair and board member of the Security Commonwealth (SyCOM).

Jayne is a Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI), an accredited Security Management Specialist (ASMS), a member of the Association of Security Consultants (M ASC) and an Armed Forces Network Service Champion.

Prior to her National Health Services (NHS) career Jayne spent 9 years in the Royal Air Force as a non-commissioned officer assigned to both National and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Forces.

Jessica Minion, Executive Director, International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)

Jessica R. Minion serves as the Executive Director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), bringing more than 15 years of expertise in the financial security sector, with a specialization in anti-money laundering and regulatory compliance.

A passionate advocate for professional development and global advancement in the security industry, Jessica combines strategic leadership with a deep commitment to elevating standards across the profession. IFPO—an internationally recognized organization dedicated to education, certification, and career development—continues to empower security professionals worldwide

Dr John Akerele, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management, University of Portsmouth

Dr John Akerele is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management at the University of Portsmouth, where he teaches and supervises students from Level 4 to Level 8. Dr Akerele holds a BSc (Hons) in Computing, an MSc in Security Management (Distinction) and a PhD in Security Risk Management, all from the University of Portsmouth.

Dr Akerele brings over two decades of combined experience in leadership roles across the security sector and higher education, offering a distinctive blend of practical insight and academic rigour. His research centres on organisational resilience, security governance, and emerging security phenomena. Within these domains, his scholarly interests encompass safety, corporate security, cybersecurity, risk and crisis management, and economic crime. He is committed to developing applied, evidence-based solutions aimed at ameliorating the security sector while informing policy and operational strategies.

Judy Atkinson, Head of Operations – Area, Securitas UK

Judy Atkinson started in the security industry nearly 20 years ago at Reliance Security, delivering on all of their services and is now Head of Operations - Area for Securitas UK. She is passionate about delivering a holistic approach to security. She has worked during that time for different size and styles of security companies from operations to account management and sales. She has also run a CAT II Alarm Receiving Centre.

She believes that staff should be our number one priority and all should be paid fairly and have the opportunity to develop.

She is a big advocate for raising the profile for all who work in the security industry and to make it as diverse and inclusive as possible whilst encouraging our next generation to look at this as a career.

Judy is on the board for ASIS International UK Chapter, IFPO, Women’s Security Society and the Co Founder of Running on Empty. She is also an ambassador for White Ribbon and Walksafe.

Kate Bright, CSyP, CInstLM, FRSA, CEO & Founder, UMBRA International Group

Kate Bright is a Chartered Security Professional with 25 years of experience in private client and family office sectors, progressing from roles as a Personal Assistant, Chief of Staff, Head of Family Office and Close Protection Operative to becoming Founder and CEO of UMBRA International Group.

Under her leadership, UMBRA offers Security Concierge and Secure Lifestyle services globally, and she initiated the UMBRA Academy to drive accessibility, impact, and sustainability in the security industry.

Kate is also a Fellow of the RSA, a Companion of the Institute of Leadership and Management, sits on the British Army Gender Advisory Council, and is active in veteran charities and gender equality causes.

Leigh Turner, SRMP-C, Founder of Elite Tactical Force & UKSICA: United Kingdom Security Industry Compliance Association

Leigh is a seasoned leader in the security industry and the founder of Elite Tactical Force Limited and the United Kingdom Security Industry Compliance Association (UKSICA). With a mission-focused mindset, Leigh has devoted his career to elevating standards, promoting compliance, and championing professionalism across the private security sector.

Leigh plays a strategic role in advocating for industry reform, worker representation, and policy development. His involvement in the SIF reinforces his commitment to strengthening the voice and rights of security professionals nationwide.

Letitia Emeana (ASIS – PSP CPP) CISMP, Global Security Technology & Capability lead, Unilever PLC

Letitia Emeana has been active in security since 2001. She qualified with her ASIS PSP in December 2007, IT Governance CISMP 2014 and ASIS CPP in 2017. Letitia is a multi-disciplinary security professional and leader with significant experience in Security Design, Security Technology and Security Implementation.

Letitia was the recipient of the 2025 OSPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2024 ASIS International recipient of the Global Women in Security – Karen Marquez Honours and 2024 UK Women in Security Winner for Contribution to Industry. She was also the ASIS UK Chapter Chair from 2021-2025 & is currently the Global Security Technology & Capability Manager at Unilever. She has held previous Security Leadership positions at Tesla EMEA & APAC, Amazon EMEA & India, and Lloyds Banking Group. She is a passionate advocate for putting “People” at the heart of her work and works hard to promote diversity in its broadest sense and was core to the establishment of Women’s Security groups in Amazon, Tesla, and Unilever.

Letitia’s background in global security gives her a broad appreciation of the multifaceted elements for supplier capability, corporate thinking, changing threats and new technologies. She is also able to connect this with the latest thinking on coaching, facilitation, and innovation to maximise the success of capability.

She brings enthusiasm and motivation to a team, whilst being very much a servant leader with diversity rooted in her DNA. She enjoys learning from others and sharing thoughts on improvements by harnessing these strengths

Lynda Moore, Managing Partner, FM Contract Watch

Lynda Moore has been working in the security industry for over 40 years. She spent 30 years with a regional contract security company, during which she was a Board director for 20 years including the last 10 in the role of Managing Director.

Lynda is currently the owner of FM Contract Watch which provides a range of services supporting the security industry including penetration and customer service audits testing on-site security teams.

She also runs an association for SIA ACS accredited companies, The ACS Pacesetters, which includes the annual Security Officer of Distinction Awards. Both the Silver Fox Audit Scheme and The ACS Pacesetters recognise and reward good work by front-line Security Officers.

Lynda has membership status of the Security Institute and is a Registered Independent Security Consultant.

Michael White, Director, Hampton Risk & Security Management

Approaching his 25 year anniversary in the UK private security industry, Michael White recently left G4S where he was the Head of Risk, Compliance & Assurance (UK & Ire) to establish his own risk and security management consultancy.

Representing Security Minds Matter as a judge, Michael commented, “The quality of this year’s nominations in the sections I judged were outstanding. We should all be proud of the work being undertaken on a daily basis by security colleagues throughout the industry across the whole of the UK. I know I am”.

Mike Hurst CPP® CPOI

Mike Hurst is an award-winning security professional with over 35 years’ experience in executive security recruitment, and strategic consultancy with his company, HJA Consult: he has a background in business development and general management. He holds the ASIS CPP® and IFPO CPOI Certifications.

He is the Director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) in the UK and is a member of its Global Advisory Board.

Previously, Mike was Joint Vice Chair/Chair of the ASIS UK Chapter and a Main Board Director of The Security Institute.

He is a past winner of the ASIS President’s Award of Merit and The International Security Buyer Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. He has appeared on many security influencer lists, most recently the Life Safety Alliance Top 40 Thought Leaders in 2024 and 2025.

He is a strong advocate for ensuring good mental health in the security sector and established the #SecurityMindsMatter initiative in the UK.

Nicholas Reed, Management Board, IFPO UK

Nicholas Reed is currently employed as a regional risk manager for a global blue-chip enterprise, with a strong focus on risk, security and governance of organisations. He has previously worked in both consultancy and in-house risk & security capacities across a range of organisations in both the public and private sectors including NHS, Police and the London 2012 Olympics. He has been involved in the development and consultation on several national security standards and qualifications and written material used in national training programs.

Actively involved with professional associations in the industry, Nicholas sits on the Board of Directors for the UK Security Commonwealth, as an advisory board member with IFPO UK&I and plays an active role within the Food and Drink Security Association. He presently sits on the Security institute’s professional validation board. He is the immediate past COO, former Vice Chair and an Executive Director of the National Association for Healthcare Security and has held board positions in several charitable organisations, including a mental health organisation, in the UK Search and Rescue field, with a disability support group and on the board of a local Business Crime Reduction Partnership (CIC).

Nicholas is committed to EDI and Welfare in the security industry. He is a qualified TRiM Practitioner, an ASIST Suicide Intervention practitioner and a Mental Health First Aider. He is a member of the Security Institute’s award-winning Inclusive Security SIG and the award-winning Security Minds Matter initiative in partnership with the SIA. In prior assignments he has performed the role a Freedom To Speak Up Guardian, PREVENT Lead, sat on the Strategic EPRR Forum and held a seat on the Local Authority Safeguarding Committee.

Peter J French MBE CPP, Chief Executive, SSR Personnel

Peter J French was awarded an MBE in 2010. He is the Chief Executive of SSR® Personnel, the leading recruitment consultancy in the field of security risk, permanent or interim hire, with a significant workforce presence in Europe and the Middle East. SSR® has been recognised globally as a best-in-class security recruitment consultancy in the S&FEA. He has been recognised as one of the sector's security visionaries in the IFSEC annual listing. SSR Middle East has also been awarded the best security recruitment company in the region.

Peter serves on the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority. He is a Fellow of the Security Institute, ASIS Certified Protection Professional, a Past Master, Principal Founding Member, Honorary Liveryman, and former Trustee of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. He is one of the co-founders of the Security Benevolent Fund that supports those in the security profession who require financial support in times of need.

With a dedicated team of Volunteers, he organises the WCoSP Spring Dance that has to date raised over £768,000 for good causes. Peter was honoured as the 6th recipient of the Root & Branch award by the City Liveries Club for his ongoing work with the Livery and Charities.

Paul Phillips, Chief Executive, SSAIB

Paul Phillips is the Chief Executive of SSAIB. Trained as an electronics engineer, Paul began his career in 1994 working for security equipment manufacturers, where he gained extensive industry expertise. In 2006, he earned an MSc in Security and Risk Management and has been actively contributing to the development of UK and European standards for security since 2002.

Paul joined the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in 2009, further strengthening and widening his knowledge, leadership and compliance experience. In 2017, he joined SSAIB, overseeing regulatory adherence and operational quality. His dedication and leadership led to his appointment as General Manager in 2022, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the organisation. In November 2023, Paul was promoted to Chief Executive, where he now drives SSAIB’s strategic direction and ensures excellence across all aspects of the business.

Rachel Webb, Director of Security Strategy, Mitie

Rachel Webb is a Chartered Security Professional with 27 years in the security industry, a Non-Executive Director for The Security Institute, a Security Risk Management Professional Doctorate candidate, and a veteran of the Intelligence Corps.

She previously served as Chief Security Risk Officer for The Keyholding Company, where she delivered disruptive, award-winning risk assessment technology. Rachel now drives Mitie’s security strategy, focusing on innovation and industry leadership to shape the future of protective services.

Richard Fogelman, CEO, National Security Inspectorate

Richard Fogelman became Chief Executive of NSI - the UK’s premier Certification Body specialising in the security and fire safety sectors - in March 2023.

Prior to joining NSI Richard spent almost a decade as CEO of a leading national charity supporting bereaved young people. He has a law degree and over 15 years’ management experience having worked in London’s financial markets at numerous banks and financial firms.

Russell Penny CPP, MSyI, RISC – Founder and Director of Denarius Consultancy

Russell Penny is the Founder and Managing Director for Denarius Consultancy, and he is the UK and International Security Consultant to Constellation Generation.

He is the former Head of the UK’s Police International Counter Terrorism Unit and National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and retired in 2008 in the role of Detective Chief Superintendent after 31years service with the Metropolitan Police.

His subsequent corporate security roles have included Director of International Security Operations for Constellation Energy; Chief Security Officer (Global) for Christie’s; Security Technical Planning, Project Integration and Security Co-ordination for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, London 2012; Organisational and Security Reviews; Security Planning for the Rugby World Cup 2015; Critical Infrastructure lead in Northern Europe for Axis Communications.

He is a Past Master (2023/4) and former Chair of the Sheriffs’ Awards for Bravery Working Group for the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals; Past Chairman and current Chair of the Board Nominating Committee for ASIS (UK); Advisory Council member for Global Terrorism International Network (TINYg); member and former Director of the Association of Security Consultants; member of the Security Institute and the City of London Crime Prevention Association. He has been a judge for the Security and Fire Excellent Awards each year since 2017.

Sue Jones, Master, Worshipful Company of Security Professionals

Sue joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1979 and retired in 2019. She held a wide variety of posts in London and served overseas in Singapore, West Berlin and Belgium, with temporary duties in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Her partner is a Past Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and it was this association with the Livery world which prompted her to join the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (a City of London Livery Company) in 2016. Sue was Installed as Master of the Company in June 2025 and will hold the post for 1 year.

Sue is a volunteer at the Gurkha Museum in Winchester and is a member of The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS). In Lockdown she gained her WSET Level 3 in Wines. Sue enjoys travelling, history, reading and music and, when time allows, playing Scrabble!"

Yolanda (Yoyo) Hamblen, Podcast Host for The Security Circle, IFPO Board Member

Yolanda Hamblen brings over 16 years of information and physical security experience in roles leading strategy development for Cybersecurity Operations and Education & Awareness programs and managing Cybersecurity Engineering and Cybersecurity Emergency Response teams and Cybersecurity consulting, audits and compliance (GRC). Many years of her career have been spent in a risk advisory capacity supporting governance, compliance, risk assessment, fraud investigations, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, auditing, tabletop exercises and resilience training, in addition to cybersecurity transformation and program management. Yolanda also served 7 years with the British Police Force as a Police Constable and Police Detective.

Yolanda also Hosts the Security Circle Podcast with (IFPO) The International Foundation for Protection Officers in pro bono ‘giving back to the community project’. The podcast series features ‘Best in Class’ guests that represent security excellence in our global security community with the singular purpose of connecting our communities’ front lines with industry giants, it has achieved a status of being in the top 22% of downloaded podcasts in the world. (Reported by Buzzsprout)

Yolanda sits on the Advisory Board of IFPO UK. She is an ASIS Member and sits on the ASIS International Information Security Steering Committee after serving 3 years tenure on the ASIS Physical Steering Committee, and she finds ways to connect with other women security professionals around the world in small projects, including mentoring young women professionals.

Yolanda is currently a feature columnist for Security Buyer and writes for each issue.

Passionate about Mental Health Yolanda is now a Mental Health First Aider and advocates for good mental health and wellbeing in all roles both in and out of work. Yolanda is passionate about amplifying the voices of the marginalised in our communities and is also an LGBTQ+ Ally and promotes evolving allyship.