The Security Institute marks “year of progress” at 2026 AGM

Originally planned as an in-person event in London, the AGM was successfully delivered online via Teams following the Met Office Red Heat Warning, ensuring members from across the UK could continue to participate safely.

During the meeting, members heard how the Institute has continued to strengthen its position as the trusted and independent professional body for the security community, with growth across membership, professional development, strategic influence and organisational resilience.

Growth and progress 

In her final address as chair of the Institute, Julie Nel MA CSyP FSyI reflected on her three-year tenure, duly highlighting the considerable progress made in strengthening the Institute’s foundations, while remaining true to its purpose of advancing professionalism across the security sector.

Over the past year, membership has continued to grow beyond 5,400 members, with representation now including professionals from the public, private, academic and voluntary sectors. The Institute also reported encouraging progress in improving diversity, with the ratio of male-to-female membership applications improving from approximately 5:1 to 2:1 over recent years.

The AGM also highlighted ongoing investment in professional standards through the modernised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, stronger partnerships with universities, the Baroness Ruth Henig Scholarship Programme, the Early Careers Network and the work of the Institute’s Special Interest Groups. During 2025, the Institute awarded no fewer than 15 scholarships, supported upwards of 11,000 CPD activities and completed 127 membership revalidations.

Members also heard how the Institute continues to increase its influence across Government, industry, academia and strategic partners. During the past year alone, the Institute delivered 24 professional events, welcomed more than 3,000 attendees and achieved over 600,000 social media impressions, while continuing to represent the collective expertise of the security profession through consultations, partnerships and policy engagement.

Strong foundations 

A central theme throughout the AGM was the importance of building long-term organisational resilience. Members heard how sustained investment in governance, financial stewardship, digital transformation, quality assurance and organisational capability has positioned the Institute strongly for future growth.

Julie Nel acknowledged the contributions of the Board of Directors, volunteers, the Special Interest Groups, Board advisors, the Validation Board, the head office team, corporate partners and members, recognising that these collective efforts continue to underpin the Institute’s success.

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee also reported another positive financial year. Despite significant continued investment in member services, people and digital transformation, the Institute recorded an operational surplus of £61,765 alongside improved operational efficiency, stronger reserves and continued membership growth, thereby providing a solid platform for future investment.

Leadership transition 

As stated, the AGM marked the conclusion of Julie Nel’s three-year term as chair of The Security Institute. Reflecting on her tenure, Nel described the role as one of the greatest privileges of her professional career and expressed confidence that the Institute enters its next chapter stronger, more influential and better positioned than ever before.

Members also welcomed Chris Stevens CSyP FSyI as the Institute’s new chair, succeeding Nel following the conclusion of the AGM. Nel expressed every confidence that Stevens will continue building on the progress achieved over recent years and thanked members for the support they have shown throughout her tenure.

The Institute also recognised the contribution of Mike O’Neil, who has stepped down from the Board following many years of dedicated service, particularly so in terms of his role as chair of the Validation Board.

Members confirmed the election of James Bore MSc FSyI CSyP and the re-election of Hayley Elvins CSyP FSyI to the Board of Directors. Bore brings more than 20 years’ worth of experience in cyber security, risk management and strategic resilience. A Chartered Security Professional, he has been instrumental in supporting the Institute’s digital transformation and strengthening engagement with the cyber security community, while in parallel championing a converged approach towards professional security.

Elvins continues on the Board following her re-election, having served for the past three years, most recently as vice-chair. With experience spanning the military, Government and commercial sectors, Elvins is recognised for her work in protective security, organisational resilience and executive protection, while also leading initiatives including the AI NEST Special Interest Group and championing diversity, innovation and professional standards across the security profession.

Looking ahead 

As the Institute moves into a new chapter under its new chair, members heard that the focus for the coming year will continue to centre on strengthening professional standards, expanding influence across the sector, investing in digital transformation, enhancing member experience and ensuring that the profession remains equipped to meet what is now an increasingly complex security landscape.

The Security Institute extends its sincere thanks to all members, volunteers, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and looks forward to another year of collaboration, innovation and professional leadership.

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