The Security Institute is thrilled that Julie Nel MA, MSyI, who was voted on to the Board at the 2023 AGM, has become its new Chair. Nel takes over from Peter Lavery FSyI, who will complete seven years on the Board at the end of the year.

The Security Institute appoints Julie Nel

Nel brings with her a wealth of senior leadership experience from an impressive 35-year career spanning UK military, law enforcement, Government, and the private sector. She specialises in intelligence and strategic security threat management.

She has also served as a UK Law Enforcement Director of Intelligence and national lead for intelligence in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Contributing to the security sector

In addition to her career Nel has an impressive track record of voluntarily contributing to the security sector, including several years of service as a Director of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC).

Nel is a member of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and serves on the Women in Business Advisory Group and the London Business Crime Committee for the London Chambers of Commerce.

Nel is also a member of the City Security Council contributing to the sharing and improving of intelligence between the private sector and Police.

Nel has also supported numerous corporate security clients across a plethora of sectors including logistics, financial and legal and undertaken security projects for UK Government in delivering safe initiatives by developing and implementing threat monitoring for briefing senior officials.

The Security Institute: diversity and inclusion

Furthermore, Nel is keen on identifying new talent from any generation or gender identity for the world of security through mentoring and assisting with internships or supporting those transferring from military or police into the private sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Nel said: “We thank Peter for his dedication and commitment to the Institute over the last seven years which, during his service, has driven and supported significant changes to the UK security landscape.

“It is a privilege to have been elected as Chair by the Board of Directors, all of whom have incredible levels of skills and experience within the security sector. I am looking forward to working alongside the Board, and the fantastic Head Office Team led by our Chief Executive Angela Lawson.”

The Security Institute revises its strategy

Nel said of the future: “We are already in the process of finalising a revised strategy that will carry the Institute forward as the leading professional body for the security industry. The importance of security cannot be underestimated during these times of geopolitical uncertainty and our strategy reflects the continued professionalisation and influence of our industry. To achieve this the Institute will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders.”

The current Chair, Peter Lavery FSyI, said: “I was delighted to see Julie Nel elected as the next Institute Chair, which was ratified prior to our last Board meeting. The Institute will appreciate and benefit from a new Chair and several new Directors with renewed energy and ideas to maintain the momentum of both growth and influence.”

About The Security Institute

The Security Institute is the UK’s largest professional membership body for security professionals, with around 4,500 members to date. Since 2000 it has been working to promote the highest possible standards of integrity and professional competence in the business of security.

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