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About Us

Here you can learn what we at The Security Institute are all about: our Royal Patronage, our Patrons, our Board of Directors and our Head Office team.

The Security Institute's Royal Patron - Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is the Royal Patron and supporter of The Security Institute.

Her Royal Highness is cognisant of the security challenges faced both personally, nationally and internationally and The Princess Royal’s support of The Security Institute is testament to Her Royal Highness’ ongoing commitment to the wider security profession.

In addition, The Princess Royal is a well-known supporter of the younger generations, and despite Her Royal Highness’ busy schedule, The Princess Royal has on numerous occasions met with and given time to Institute initiatives aimed at securing the next generation of talented security professionals.

The Security Institute is grateful for Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal’s continued support and Royal patronage.

Our Patrons & VIPs

Welcome to our Patrons and VIPs area, where we commemorate the outstanding individuals who contribute so hugely to The Security Institute and every one of our endeavours. Their knowledge, resources, expertise and influence allow us to keep doing what we do best: enriching the lives and careers of our members, supporting the ongoing professionalisation of the industry, and driving forward the security profession in the public consciousness and political sphere.

Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE QC CSyI
Baroness P Neville Jones DCMG
Lord T Harris of Haringey
Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB BSC

Our Vision

To be the professional body that represents the security industry, and one that best meets our member’s needs and interests as the entry point and key resource of the sector. Our core vision is: ‘To be recognised as the leading professional body for security’

Our Mission

  Our goal is to support the security sector through the continual professionalisation of its members: whether they are new to the sector or highly experienced, The Security Institute will be there to support this journey through access to high quality learning and development, networking and thought leadership. Our core mission is: ‘To inspire, inform and influence professional excellence for the benefit of our members, the security community and wider society’.

Our Values

Organisation values, or core values, are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide an organization. These values shape how our organisation operates and our culture and promotes cohesion and cooperation among the team and key stakeholders. They also help explain why our business does what it does and differentiate our brand and market position from our competitors. Our key values are: integrity, trust, collaboration, inclusivity and agility.

Strategic Plan

The Security Institute Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 

 ‘SECURING THE FUTURE FOR ALL’

Within our 3-year strategic plan, you will be enlightened on our current set of organisational priorities and where we will be focusing our energy and resources in order to strengthen our organisation.

Within is a message from our Royal Patron, along with our Chair and Vice Chair, followed by a short introduction from our CEO.

The strategic plan lays out an overarching view on how we will:

• grow and meet the needs of our members.
• work with key stakeholders to set standards and professionalise the industry.
• talk truth to power by using our collective voice to influence the government and industry.

Our CEO Sarah Austerberry commented: “This is an important milestone and document for the Institute, which has been developed based upon the feedback from members, HO staff, the Board and other key stakeholders. This is a live strategy that informs the departmental plans and priorities of staff with the Institute’s.”

Strategic Plan

Our Board of Directors

The leaders of The Security Institute and those oustanding individuals whose mission it is to drive our organisation forward, our Board of Directors play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Institute – and the wider security profession itself.

Julie Nel

Julie MA CSyP FSyI has an extensive security background spanning 35 years, covering everything from military to law enforcement and commercial sectors. Among her many specialties are threat intelligence and strategic risk analysis. Outside of the Institute, she is founder and CEO of B4 Secure Ltd, boasts an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies and regularly presents and writes articles on threat intelligence and organisational resilience. As Chair of The Security Institute, Julie is one of the leading women within the UK’s security profession and a champion of inclusivity as well as a huge driving force behind the Institute’s continual progress.

Julie Nel MA CSyP FSyI

Chair of the Board of Directors

Abiola Aderibigbe

Abiola is a versatile dual qualified Solicitor (admitted in both the UK and EU/Ireland) with broad corporate, commercial, governance, legal and compliance experience. Having been a legal professional for about 11 years, he has had the privilege of working with global and international organisations, law firms, INGOs and academic institutions operating in different regions of the world. He is a dedicated, proactive and effective professional who possesses a collaborative attitude and holds a reputation for always being positive and high-spirited. Abiola can also confidently boast of possessing one of the biggest smiles and heartiest laughs amongst his peers and colleagues!

Abiola Aderibigbe LLB LLM

Hon General Counsel

Chris Stevens

Chris is a seasoned Specialist Security and Risk Director at an award-winning Independent Security Consultancy. After 30 years of public service, he transitioned to private consultancy, training as a Crime Reduction and Architectural Liaison Officer at the Home Office Centre before becoming the Principal Counter Terrorism Security Advisor within the British Transport Police. Chris was the sole security advisor on the Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) for over a decade and is recognised as a leader in his field. His unparalleled technical knowledge and years of experience has led to his recent election to the Board of Directors at The Security Institute

Chris Stevens CSyP MSc F.ISRM FSyI

Hayley Elvins

As a seasoned professional with decades of service, Hayley began her career in the Royal Military Police Close Protection unit before spending ten years within a government operational department. Then, in 2018, she founded protective security consultancy Sloane Risk Group. She specializes in creating global physical penetration testing programs and insider risk strategies for corporate clients, and has excelled in establishing long-lasting relationships with key players across the globe. Her role within the Institute continues to evolve, both as a thought leader and an active contributor to the advancement of security practices. Her dedication to innovation and excellence remains unwavering.

Hayley Elvins CSyP FSyI

Mike O’Neil

Mike began his career in the Parachute Regiment where he saw active service in the Falklands and Northern Ireland before leaving as a young Major. He has extensive experience within the security sector, having delivered Risk and Security Management services to clients since the early 90s and becoming the Managing Director of Optimal Risk Group. He joined the Security Institute in 2002, and first became a director in 2009 before stepping down due to commitments abroad. His focus firmly back in the UK, Mike has again rejoined as director to bring his exceptional knowledge, expertise and professionalism to the table.

Mike O’Neil CSyP FSyI CPP PSP

Paul Wood

Paul’s remarkable career spans every aspect of security, from built environment and personnel all the way to cyber security and the protection of trade secrets and intellectual property. Chair of a UK Biosecurity Threat Panel, Paul also contributes to several BSI and ASIS committees as well as the UK Cyber Security Council. He is a Chartered Security Professional as well as Chartered Member of the Institute of Information Security, a Fellow of the Institute, and a Principal Member of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists. Paul’s extensive experience led to his recent appointment to the Institute’s Board of Directors.

Paul Wood PGCE MBA CSyP CiiSCM CIISec FSyl FIoL FRGS RSES CISM CPP® SRMC

Rachel Webb

Rachel brings 27 years of continuous security experience across public and private sectors: A specialist in Security Risk Management and converged security generalist, she has held commercial, operational, and strategic roles in the UK and overseas. Her academic grounding includes an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies and she is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate.

Rachel Webb MA CSyP MSyI

Andrew Donaldson

Andrew currently leads security operations at Real Estate Management (UK) Ltd, where he oversees iconic assets including The Shard. His career includes extensive experience with Counter Terrorism Policing and the Ministry of Defence, and he serves as a representative on the Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network (CTPN) and previously co-chaired the Counter Terrorism Special Interest Group to great success. He holds an MSc with Distinction in International Security and Risk Management, and a BSc in Behavioural Sciences.

Andrew Donaldson CSyP MSc BSc (Hons) FSyI

Matthew Seel

Matthew began his security career with 11 years in the Army and Royal Navy. Following medical discharge, he joined a defence prime contractor, progressing through roles in counterintelligence, cyber, information assurance, technical, personnel and physical security. Now Security Director, he leads a major team and serves as Senior Information & Security Risk Owner.

Matthew Seel CSyP CNSP FSyI

Chris Middleton

Chris began his security career as a frontline officer 22 years ago and remains a strong advocate for positive change. A 2022 OSPA winner, Chris sat on various advisory boards or committees, such as the BSI GW3 Committee looking at British Standard Codes of Practice, the SIA EDI Committee, The CSC Executive Board, The Security Minds Matter Committee, IFPO Advisory Board and the SIA Trailblazers groups.

Chris Middleton CSyP Dip ML MSyI

Bob Martin

Bob is a distinguished professional in the security industry.  With a career spanning over four decades, Bob's contributions have left an indelible mark, reshaping and elevating the standards of security practices, as was recognized by his OSPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024. His commitment, expertise, and visionary leadership have not only propelled the industry forward but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in their security endeavors.  Bob is the epitome of visionary leadership in the diverse and complicated world of security management. Bob's vast expertise and deep understanding of security matters have been instrumental in him being invited to be an Adviser to the Board.

Bob Martin JP CSyP FSyI RISC MASC

Advisor to the Board

Meet the Team

Our Head Office team are at the core of everything we do at The Security Institute: We are pleased to have a committed team that are focused on delivery a quality service to our members and stakeholders.

Sarah Austerberry MLitt CSyP FSyI

More Information...

Sarah Austerberry MLitt CSyP FSyI – Chief Executive Officer

Hollie Ferguson

Hollie Ferguson – Executive Assistant

Vikki Fox

Vikki Fox – Chief of Staff

Deepa Mistry FCCA

Deepa Mistry FCCA is a finance, governance and risk leader with over 18 years driving financial strategy, operational transformation and board level decision making in social impact and commercial sectors. As CFO of Causeway Charitable Services she leads financial sustainability and digital transformation, whilst also serving as Treasurer of ReachOut Charity and Non Executive Director at Talking Fire CIC. Deepa is also CEO of Building Safety Crisis Ltd where she has influenced UK policy on fire safety and residential construction reform, earning recognition from the House of Lords and industry awards. A specialist in financial governance, risk strategy and stakeholder engagement, she is dedicated to strengthening financial resilience, security and public policy impact.

Deepa Mistry FCCA – Treasurer

Paula Stanbridge

Paula Stanbridge – Membership Registrar

Lisa Molineau

Lisa Molineau – Deputy Membership Registrar

Isam Talbi

Isam Talbi – Membership & Engagement

Jacqui Van Noort

Jacqui Van Noort – Membership & Engagement

Aniska Hancox

Aniska Hancox – Corporate Partnerships

Amanda Durno

Amanda Durno – Quality Assurance

James Dawson

James Dawson – Marketing & Communications

Olivia Lamyman

Olivia Lamyman – Digital Marketing

Tony Rabbeth

Tony Rabbeth – Finance & Operations

Andreea Mocanu

Andreea Mocanu – Chartership

Khizar Akbar

Khizar Akbar – Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Vol.)

Thomas Vinding-Huseby

Thomas Vinding-Huseby – Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Vol.)

Safeguarding Women and Girls

At The Security Institute, we are wholeheartedly committed to a wide variety of initiatives that support our goal of safeguarding women and girls.

To read more, click here now.

Governance

Governance is a system that provides a framework for managing organisations legally, ethically, sustainably, and successfully. At the Security Institute we aim to work within governance best practice to ensure that we are fit for purpose to deliver on our vision and mission and that we are operating for the benefit of our members and the security profession.

Articles of Association

Code of Ethics

Security Institute Regulations

Complaints & Feedback

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