Paul Barnard appointed vice-chair at The Security Institute

One of just over 200 Chartered Security Professionals, Barnard – who appeared as a guest on Episode 19 of the Security Matters Podcast – is a key influencer within the security community. During his extensive career, he has served as Detective Superintendent and Detective Chief Superintendent for counter-terrorism in the City of London Police with overall responsibility for delivery of the CONTEST strategy and engagement with strategic partners (among them the Home Office). Since leaving the police service, Barnard has worked at a strategic level within the private security industry.

Barnard succeeds previous vice-chair Jonathan Schulten FSyI who took the decision to stand down from the role. This follows on from Barnard’s long-standing role as a non-executive director on the Institute’s Board of Directors, during which time he has led the Institute's Next Generation in Security Initiative (#NextGen) to promote career pathways for young people in the security sector. Through the Institute's various #NextGen activities, Barnard has spearheaded youth engagement within the security sector.

Most recently, Barnard has been the driving force behind the Institute's partnership with the EY Foundation and the creation of the ‘Secure Futures’ Programme. This is a youth employability programme which, for the first time earlier this year, saw 27 young people from low-income households participate in two weeks of digital work experience within the security sector. The individuals involved are currently being mentored by security professionals.

‘Secure Futures’ Programme

In addition to his work with the ‘Secure Futures’ Programme, Barnard has made it possible for over 300 volunteer police cadets to attend some of the industry’s foremost exhibitions including The Security Event, International Security Expo, Counter Terror Expo and IFSEC International.

Further, Barnard has been involved in several other key developments within the Institute. He’s the sponsoring director for the Institute's Inclusive Security Special Interest Group, supporting co-chairs Anna-Liisa Tampuu ASyI and Lisa Reilly MSyI in their efforts to provide more opportunities for underrepresented groups within the security profession. Barnard has also supported the work being conducted by the Institute’s Counter-Terrorism Special Interest Group as part of the Government’s Protect Duty consultation process.

Speaking about Barnard’s appointment, Peter Lavery explained: “Paul is an active member of The Security Institute’s Board of Directors and brings with him a long and distinguished law enforcement career and more recent commercial experience. He has impressed us all with his personal determination and drive for our Next Generation programme and harbours a clear passion for delivering career pathways for young people. Paul brings valued experience and skills to the leadership team at a time of increasing importance for the security profession and the Institute as we consider our strategy and the future.”

Lavery added: “While Jonathan is standing down from the vice-chair having made a valuable contribution to the organisation, he remains an ‘active’ Board director and is currently leading on our Protect Duty consultation response.”

Exciting opportunity

Speaking about his new role, Barnard informed Security Matters: “I’m so proud to have been invited to take up the role of vice-chair of The Security Institute. I follow in the footsteps of recent incumbents Paul Drury and Johnathan Schulten. Thank you both for the foundations you’ve laid for the benefit of our members.”

He went on to comment: “In the middle of a global pandemic and an economic downturn with the added uncertainty and challenges all of this brings, for me this is an exciting time to be taking on this role. Right now, young people, people from diverse backgrounds and those from other sectors need to hear loud and clear that the security world offers amazing career opportunities.”

Focusing on the Institute, Barnard stated: “Our membership is growing at a fast pace and our Special Interest Groups are hosting thought leadership sessions with an ever-growing influence. This is a great time to be a member of The Security Institute with so many professional development options. I will champion the membership’s cause, helping to influence stakeholders for their benefit and also helping to shape The Security Institute’s future strategy.”

Immediate past vice-chair Johnathan Schulten said: “It has been an honour to have contributed to the senior leadership team for over two years now, closely supporting Alison Wakefield and Peter Lavery in their role as chair. We shall soon be revisiting our organisational strategy so, with this in mind, the time is right for me to step back from the vice-chair’s role in order to create the opportunity for another director to deliver on driving this forward over the next two-to-three years.”

Further, Schulten commented: “I’m pleased to be passing the baton to Paul Barnard as he personifies the Institute’s ongoing work designed to ensure the future growth and credibility of the security sector as a pathway of choice. He’s well suited to the role and I wish Paul well. I’m looking forward to continuing with my responsibilities in delivering our Protect Duty consultation response, supporting a very active CT SIG, chairing the Risk Committee and contributing to the Validation Board.”

Standards of integrity

The Security Institute now boasts over 4,100 members. Since 2000, the organisation has been working diligently to promote the highest possible standards of integrity and professional competence in the business of security.

Membership of The Security Institute gives credibility, enhances career prospects, provides a network of excellent contacts, and offers continual professional development and a wide range of networking opportunities.

*For further information on The Security Institute visit the organisation’s website