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28-30 April 2026
NEC Birmingham
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28-30 April 2026 | NEC Birmingham
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As part of Professional Security Officer Live, this theatre will examine the latest policies, evolving demands, risk environments and challenges facing security guarding today.
Featuring keynotes, case studies and presentations tailored to upskill and educate, this is a must-see conference for all professional security officers.
Women on the Frontline is a powerful platform that centres HERstory, giving voice to the lived experiences and life-saving impact of women working in frontline security. By sharing their stories, this initiative not only recognises their contribution but also strengthens learning, visibility, and respect across the sector.
The fire and security sector is facing a critical skills challenge, but the solution lies in collaboration between industry leaders and emerging talent. This session brings together senior leadership and apprentices to share real-world perspectives on developing the future workforce. David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, will provide insight into the evolving skills landscape, the importance of structured training pathways, and how employers can build sustainable talent pipelines. He will be joined by apprentices Ethan Girling and Josef Rooney-McGee, who will share their personal journeys into the industry, their experiences of training, and what motivates the next generation of security professionals.
Beyond the logistics of crowd safety, Tia is deeply committed to the "human" side of the industry. Mental health awareness is the heartbeat of her work. She believes we often underestimate the profound impact mental well-being has on our daily lives and professional performance.
She is particularly passionate about Men’s Mental Health, due to having lost three men in 2024 to suicide, one of which was in the industry - this is an area she feels is still critically underserved. Having a various initiatives and discussions in this space, she is a firm advocate for breaking the silence and helping people speak. Her goal is to normalize these conversations, ensuring that whether we are at a festival or in a training room, the mental health of our community is always a priority.
Because no guard should carry the weight of their struggles alone. This first-of-its-kind campaign confronts male suicide in the security industry, shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by frontline security officers and calling for collective responsibility to protect those who protect us every day.
Labour supply chain fraud is one of the most significant and growing compliance risks facing the UK security industry. With increasing scrutiny from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), security companies must understand the risks within their labour supply chains and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
This panel brings together senior representatives from the SIA, HMRC and NSI to share first-hand insights from their work across the sector, including common issues identified during assessments and investigations.
Hear how enforcement bodies tackle labour supply chain fraud, the impact of recent regulatory actions and how collaboration between the SIA, HMRC, and NSI is raising industry standards. Attendees will gain practical insight into compliance expectations, the risks facing security providers and the steps to take now as regulatory oversight continues to tighten.
This is a must-attend session for all guarding services organisations, including those in the SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme.
This panel is not about policy, training standards, or organisational process.
It is about the minute none of us can predict.
The Empty Minute is the space between something going wrong and meaningful help arriving. You never know when it will happen, who it will happen to, or whether it will involve a stranger, a colleague, a friend, or someone you love.
For some people, it lasts seconds.
For others, it lasts a lifetime.
Drawing on lived experience, expert witness insight, and leadership from across the security and safety profession, Hosted by Marie Tyler, Executive Director of IPSA:
Ian Fox – Empty Minute initiative creator, Satia Rai, CEO of IPSA, and Eric Stuart QPM, former Chair of the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association, explore:
Eric will reflect on the first Empty Minute story and what incident investigations repeatedly reveal: that the most consequential decisions are often made by people who never expected to be decision-makers at all.
This is a conversation about vulnerability, responsibility, and the uncomfortable truth that when something happens, the person who lives with it afterwards might be you.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in England and Wales, with an estimated annual cost to businesses of £17 billion in England alone. Employers play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive workplace where employees can access help.
The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) is a network of over 2,000 UK employers committed to taking effective action on domestic abuse. This session will provide a deeper understanding of the impact of domestic abuse, its relevance to the workplace, and how employers can create a supportive environment for those affected.
There is an evolving and rapidly increasing risk environment for security officers, which is undoubtedly having an impact on everyone here. Physical violence and reputational risks are unfortunately just the most common risks, with every individual carrying a specialist camera for recording incidents from a potentially biased perspective. However, now Security management and Officers face increasing bribery & corruption, fraud, immigration, licencing and data protection risks, just to add to the workload.
This session will examine some interesting examples of cases where these risks have led to enforcement (such as the Sheriff of Soho': A corrupt ex-Met Police officer jailed after taking bribes in London's West End; Victor Obi who pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates' Court for three offences contrary to the Fraud Act 2006; Daniel Carter used his faked position as a security supervisor to steal £1425 cash from the hospital; Student visa holders working more than permitted hours; and the common misnomer that “They have an SIA licence, so they must be legal to work.”).
Gaon will focus on practical advice to assist management and officers to manage their new and increasing burdens. The ambition will be to have an interactive session if possible and discuss what can be done to help Security manage their risks.
This talk will focus on the journey as a young person working in the industry and some of the experiences that have shaped Bethany's path so far. She will share some of the challenges she's faced, the opportunities she's had, and the lessons learned along the way.
She will also speak about how other young people can progress in the industry, including the importance of building confidence, developing skills, and making the most of opportunities when they arise.
Finally, she’ll touch on the role the older generation can play in supporting young people entering the field, whether through mentorship, sharing knowledge, or simply creating spaces where young voices feel encouraged and valued.
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