25 years of excellence: A vision for global security leadership 

25-years-of-excellence:-A-vision-for-global-security-leadership 

Share this content

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

2025 is a significant milestone for The Security Institute, writes CEO, Professor Simon Hepburn.

As we celebrate 25 years of advancing the security profession, we stand at the forefront of a rapidly changing global landscape.

This anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on our achievements but also to renew our commitment to shaping a safer, more resilient world. 

As CEO of The Security Institute, I am honoured to lead this extraordinary organisation during such a pivotal time.

Having previously served as the founding CEO of the UK Cyber Security Council, I bring with me a deep appreciation for the interconnected nature of today’s security challenges and the importance of forging meaningful partnerships.

Our mission remains steadfast: To elevate security as a respected profession, empower our members and influence the global agenda. 

Celebrating a quarter-century of progress 

The Security Institute’s journey over the past 25 years is a testament to the dedication, ingenuity and professionalism of our members.

From our humble beginnings, we have grown into the UK’s largest professional membership body for security practitioners.

Along the way, we have shaped policy, championed innovation and fostered a culture of collaboration. 

This anniversary is much more than a celebration of our history – it is a springboard for the future.

We are committed to not only maintaining but expanding our leadership role in the years to come.

As the security landscape evolves, we must continue to adapt, ensuring that our profession remains relevant and resilient. 

The changing face of security: A call for international cooperation – the world of 2025 is marked by unprecedented complexity. Security threats no longer respect national borders and the risks we face – whether they be physical, digital or geopolitical – are deeply interconnected. The COVID-19 pandemic, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and rising geopolitical tensions have all underscored the need for a unified, global approach to security. International cooperation is no longer optional; it is essential. This is why I am particularly pleased to announce our collaboration with the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) in the UAE and the Professional Security and Safety Alliance (PSSA). These partnerships represent a significant step forward in our mission to share best practices and raise standards on a global scale. By working with international partners, we can pool our expertise, align our strategies and create a more secure world for all. These collaborations allow us to learn from diverse perspectives and ensure that our standards and certifications remain world-class.

Leadership through Membership, Professionalisation and Influence – at the heart of our vision for the future are the three pillars that guide The Security Institute: Membership, Professionalisation and Influence. As we look to 2025 and beyond, we are expanding these principles to a global stage.

Membership: Building a global community – our members are the lifeblood of The Security Institute and their expertise is our greatest asset. Over the past 25 years, we have built a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to advancing security. As we expand our reach internationally, we are creating new opportunities for networking, mentorship and collaboration and aim to increase diversity in the profession. In 2025, we will be launching initiatives designed to connect security practitioners across borders. These include virtual forums, joint training programs with international partners and an enhanced digital platform that makes it easier than ever for members to share knowledge and best practices 

Professionalisation: Elevating standards worldwide – professionalisation has always been a cornerstone of our mission. Through initiatives like the upcoming Level 4 Security Apprenticeship program, we are creating clear pathways for career progression and ensuring that security is recognised as a profession of choice. On an international level, this means working with partners like SIRA and PSSA to develop internationally recognised frames of reference that transcend borders and boundaries, encouraging excellence wherever you are

Influence: Shaping the global agenda – The Security Institute has long been a voice of authority in the UK and we are now leveraging our platform to influence the global security agenda. Whether engaging with international policymakers, contributing to global standards-setting bodies or advocating for ethical considerations in the use of emerging technologies, we are committed to leading the conversation on the issues that matter most. Our collaboration with SIRA and PSSA is just the beginning. By forging new partnerships and deepening existing ones, we aim to ensure that security professionals have a seat at the table in discussions that will shape the future of our field.

Raising standards and sharing best practices 

One of the most powerful ways we can lead on a global level is by sharing best practices and raising standards. Security is a field that thrives on continuous improvement, and by learning from one another, we can achieve more than any one organisation or even nation could alone. The Security Institute has always been a hub for knowledge exchange. From our Annual Conference to our member-led special interest groups, we provide a platform for the brightest minds in security to come together and share their insights. As we expand our international footprint, we are committed to bringing this collaborative spirit to a global audience. 

Embracing innovation responsibly 

As we look to the future, technological innovation will play a central role in shaping the security landscape. AI, machine learning and other emerging technologies offer incredible opportunities to enhance our capabilities. Yet, they are also beset by several attendant risks which we must always be conscious of. The Security Institute is committed to promoting the responsible use of technology. This means not only leveraging innovation to improve security but also ensuring that our practices are transparent, ethical and aligned with our core values. 

A vision for the future 

As we celebrate 25 years of The Security Institute, I am filled with optimism about what lies ahead.

The challenges we face are significant, but so too are the opportunities.

I am proud to lead The Security Institute at this pivotal moment in our history.

Together with our members, partners and allies around the world, we will continue to elevate security as a profession, shape the global agenda and make a lasting impact. Here’s to the next 25 years of excellence. 

About the Author 

Professor Simon Hepburn is a 25-year veteran of the not-for-profit, education and careers sector and the Chief Executive Officer of The Security Institute, the largest membership organisation for security professionals and businesses in the UK.

Prof Simon was the Founding CEO for the UK Cyber Security Council, where he led on the development of the organisation, the professional cybersecurity standards and built the organisation brand and recognition globally. 

Simon also led on the development of the cybersecurity chartership process, working with a variety of government departments, worshipful companies and businesses and where he chartered the first cohort of Chartered Cyber Security Professionals in the world. 

Prof Simon is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees for ReachOut a national mentoring and education charity who support young people to grow in character and confidence through an innovative programme.

Having previously been chief executive of a charity and founded two others, Simon has also held director positions within a variety of national and international charities, multi-academy trusts and businesses. 

Simon was named as one of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the POWERLIST 2023 and was bestowed an honorary visiting professorship from Aston University in Birmingham in 2022, for services to the cybersecurity and the wider security profession. 

Prof Simon is passionate about making a positive impact on society, security as a career and profession and making a difference to the lives of young people and adults supporting them to be the best versions of themselves.

Newsletter
Receive the latest breaking news straight to your inbox