HRH The Princess Royal attends The Security Institute’s 25th Anniversary Gala

Held at the Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre in London, the event brought together security leaders, practitioners and innovators from across The Security Institute’s membership and the security profession to celebrate excellence and dedication within the industry.

The Princess Royal’s attendance marked a significant highlight of the evening and reinforced the recognition of the vital role played by security professionals in safeguarding people, organisations and national infrastructure. As Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness’ continued support underscores the value of professionalism, integrity and collaboration, duly recognising the work of those Security Institute members who’ve gone ‘above and beyond’ in their contributions to the sector.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bob Martin CSyP FSyI, recognising a career defined by exceptional service, leadership and enduring impact. Bob’s contributions underscore a remarkable life and career: one which has inspired countless future professionals and advanced standards of practice across the field.

The Outstanding Young Security Professional Award went to Raegan Moss, honouring an emerging leader who has demonstrated remarkable skill, innovation and commitment at an early stage of her career. Raegan’s achievements reflect the dynamism and potential of the next generation driving the profession forward, a cause for which both The Princess Royal and Baroness Ruth Henig have displayed a long-standing commitment.

Outstanding Contribution Award 

The evening also celebrated other key winners in a variety of categories. Dr Peter Speight took home the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Security Award (a more than worthy winner considering his long years of service to the sector and exemplary conduct), while the Institute Learner of the Year accolade was won by Khalid Mahmood who, despite facing serious illness, nonetheless persevered with his studies and even found time to help others along their journey.

The International Achiever of the Year Award was bestowed upon Jamie Daniels, a dynamic and committed security manager whose energy, professionalism and expertise have made a significant impact on the international nuclear security community.

Avtar ‘Avi’ Purewal was named Academic Achiever of the Year due to his exceptional grades and unrelenting commitment, while Mike Lees CSyP FSyI was awarded Volunteer of the Year due to his long-standing service as part of the Validation Board and other activities in aid of The Security Institute.

The Lavender Group won the EDI Initiative of the Year Award for its outstanding work at founding a community of like-minded LGBTQ+ security professionals.

Last, but by no means least, Daniel and Jacqueline Pike won the Security Innovation Award for the phenomenal Dynamic Threat and Risk Assessments Security Programme for the second year in a row: a landmark achievement for the couple.

Crucial role

Sarah Austerberry CSyP FSyI RSES Principal, CEO of The Security Institute, said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal once again. Her engagement brings great pride to our members and recognises the crucial role of security practitioners in today’s society.”

Austerberry added: “This year’s winners truly exemplify the best of our industry by combining experience, leadership and new ideas that will assist in shaping the future of security. All in all, the event was a fitting tribute to 25 years of the Institute advancing our sector.”

*Further information is available online at www.security-institute.org