London, 4th March 2026 — Security professionals, leaders, and advocates from across the UK gathered at The Cumberland, Marble Arch, London for the 2026 Women in Security Conference, hosted by The Security Institute. The event brought together experts from across the security, policing, cyber, academic and operational sectors under the theme “Building an Inclusive Security Industry.”
The conference welcomed a distinguished lineup of speakers and industry leaders committed to driving meaningful progress for women across the security profession. Delegates heard insights on leadership, inclusion, professional development and operational experience from some of the most respected voices in the field.
The event opened with a welcome from compère Yolanda Hamblen, Global Business Information Security Officer, followed by an opening address from The Rt Hon. Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG, Patron of The Security Institute, whose career spans diplomacy, intelligence, government and industry, who spoke about the transition of the security community from a niche position to one of centre stage in the world we live in today. The opportunities that come with not having an “encrusted framework” that enables us to shape standards, the message being that how things are done are up to us now to shape the future, to embrace change, accept challenge and not be frightened of moments of difficulty.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from keynote speakers including:
• Professor Brooke Rogers OBE, Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser, who spoke of her continued excitement of bringing practitioners, researchers and the public together to inform policy. The need to be collaborative and transparent to build trust, and that little fish are as important as big fish when we all swim in the same ocean.
• Naina Bhattacharya, Chief Information Security Officer at Coats, who spoke of the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of seeing women in senior positions as role models, the value in seeking mentors to support and challenge on her journey, Strong women stand up for themselves, stronger women speak up for one and another
• Fiona Galbraith MSyI, Programme Leader at Buckinghamshire New University, highlighted some of her military and academic career journey, including a tea and hand-grenades meting to illustrate the need for both leadership and followship. She spoke of the changes to university life and the need to build resilience in young people
• Sarah Jane Cork MSyI, Chief Executive Officer at Milieu Associates focused on the individual, the need to find our “milieu” what gives us purpose, what grounds us as individuals and how we take that into the work environment. The importance of not just focusing on external factors as measures of success.
A frontline panel discussion explored how organisations can build inclusive environments for women working in operational security roles. The panel was moderated by Siân Doherty MSyI, Managing Director of Arc Monitoring, and featured:
• Helen Isaac QPM, Chief Superintendent, City of London Police
• Rachel Fleri, Managing Director, Specialist Security Company
• Ruth Sharman MSyI, Events Security Management, Carlisle Support Services
• Neha Sharma, Frontline Security Officer
Conversation covered a myriad of topics, including the continuing challenge of ill-fitting office-issued trousers for women in uniform; supporting return to work after maternity leave and the value of different perspectives in managing volatile situations. The panel recognised the ongoing challenges but also spoke of the progress that had been made, and moving away from being the “first women in the role” to now being seen as business as usual and being the role model for those following them.
Later in the programme, a fireside discussion on collective responsibility for inclusion brought together Julie Nel FSyI CSyP, Chair of The Security Institute, Hayley Elvins FSyI CSyP, Vice Chair of The Security Institute, and Rachel Webb FSyI CSyP, Director at The Security Institute, with the session hosted by Roy Cooper, Managing Director of Professional Security magazine. The key message being that we all have a responsibility to build an inclusive profession.
The highlight of the conference was the address delivered by the organisation’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, whose support for the security sector continues to inspire the Institute and its members. Her Royal Highness presence underscored the importance of leadership, professionalism and opportunity within the security profession.
Attendees also engaged with a range of industry exhibitors including ASEL, PerpetuityARC Training, Mitie, Mercury Training, and Nineteen Group, showcasing services and innovations supporting the development of the security profession.
The conference was proudly supported by Argenbright Security Europe Limited (ASEL) as the event’s Gold Sponsor, with Hannah Powell, Director of Risk at ASEL, delivering a sponsor session exploring how data-driven risk modelling can help shape organisational change.
The event also highlighted the work of its charity partner, Squaddie Box CIC, an organisation dedicated to supporting veterans and emergency services personnel facing homelessness by providing practical support, resources and community to help rebuild their lives.
Closing the conference, Julie Nel FSyI CSyP, Chair of The Security Institute, reflected on the day’s discussions and the importance of turning dialogue into action, encouraging the sector to continue working collaboratively to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women across all areas of security.
The Women in Security Conference concluded with a networking reception, enabling delegates to continue conversations, strengthen partnerships and build a more inclusive future for the industry.
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