SyI hosts inaugural Celebrating and Elevating Women in Security Conference

Image courtesy of Dean Rossiter Photography

One particular highlight at conference was a keynote address delivered by Anne Keast-Butler, director of GCHQ, whose speech covered critical topics including national security, the vital contributions of women in the field and the challenges and triumphs of balancing a high-profile career with family life.

Sharing her journey as a mother of three, Keast-Butler served as an inspiring role model for attendees, duly demonstrating security leadership, while also embracing personal aspirations.

Attendees praised her address as “aspirational” and “an empowering call to action for women at all stages of their careers”. Another said the address proves that “ambition and family life can go hand in hand in our industry”.

Conference also featured an outstanding line-up of speakers and panel mmbers, all of them dedicated to fostering dialogue and action on gender diversity and professional development within the security profession. Among them were keynote speakers Jane Frankland MBE (CEO of Knewstart), Michelle Russell (CEO of the Security Industry Authority) and James Bore CSyP MSyI, managing director of Bores Group Ltd.

The event was excellently compered by Rachel Webb CSyP MSyI, managing director of The Keyholding Company.

Panel discussions featured esteemed professionals such as Sarah Austerberry CSyP FSyI MLitt, Stuart Frost BEM FSyI, Kate Davies OBE, Kate Bright CSyP MSyI FRSA, Lydia Walmsley, Michael Coppard, Jasmine Palmer-Garrick, Stacey Snook, Julie Nel MA FSyI, Anne Marie Chebib BA (Hons) PGDip, Ruth Ripley, Iwona Kossek, Hayley Elvins CSyP FSyI, Chris Stevens CSyP MSc F.ISRM FSyI and Smita Niranjan CSMP M.ISMI.

Inclusive and supportive environment

Julie Nel MA FSyI, chair of The Security Institute, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have launched this conference, which underscores our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in security. The energy in the room was palpable and it was truly inspiring to witness such a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.”

Nel added: “Anne Keast-Butler’s presence and speech were an undeniable highlight, reinforcing the message that women can – and do – thrive in the security environment at the highest levels.”

Additionally, The Security Institute’s CEO, Professor Simon Hepburn MA MCMI FRSA announced the Institute’s ongoing commitment to Safeguarding Women and Girls. This initiative includes a dedicated section on the organisation’s website that brings together like-minded bodies working in this field, among them the Internet Watch Foundation, Ask for Angela, Stamp Out Spiking, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and the National Bullying Helpline. This initiative highlights The Security Institute’s ongoing and proactive stance in supporting and protecting women and girls in all aspects of security and beyond.

The Security Institute remains dedicated to championing diversity, equity and inclusion within the profession and looks forward to building on the momentum of this landmark event in the years to come.

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