Director election results unveiled at The Security Institute’s 2025 AGM

The event opened with a keynote address courtesy of Institute chair Julie Nel MA CSyP FSyI who used the occasion to reflect on recent events and paid tribute to individuals who’ve made notable contributions to the organisation and the wider security profession.

The chair first welcomed new interim CEO and previous vice-chair of the Board, namely Sarah Austerberry MLitt CSyP FSyI, to her new role and thanked Mahbubul Islam CSyP MSyI for his contributions as director before discussing recent Institute events and initiatives launched over the past year in addition to those that are upcoming.

In the address, Nel also outlined the challenges the Institute is currently facing and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing them. This includes a strategic focus on three core organisational pillars: ‘Influence’, ‘Membership’ and ‘Professionalisation’.

Following the chair’s address was a discussion focused on the strategic objectives of the organisation, plus key updates and developments, among them the status of SABRE and an insight into membership figures and financials.

Director elections

The AGM also included the announcement of the results of the director elections, with a warm welcome extended to the newly elected Board members: Matthew Seel CSyP CNSP FSyI, Andrew Donaldson MSc BSc (Hons) CSyP FSyI, Chris Middleton CSyP Dip ML MSyI and Rachel Webb MA CSyP FSyI. The chair, CEO and Board members congratulated the new directors on their achievement, while thanks were expressed to all candidates for their contributions and commitment to the profession.

The event concluded with the first Board meeting involving the new directors and a well-attended networking session, offering members an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to what’s ahead.

Insightful day 

Julie Nel MA CSyP FSyI had this to say regarding the day’s proceedings: “It was an insightful day and, as always, I welcome the interaction and feedback that we receive from our members. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our new directors. I look forward to working closely with them all.”

Nel concluded: “We have an extremely bright future ahead. The Security Institute continues to evolve and grow as an organisation, responding to new challenges, while also remaining steadfast in its ongoing mission to be the leading professional membership body for security practitioners in the UK.”