Pauline Dinis
I am a security professional with 27 years of experience, dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
My career began on the frontline in 1998, and it was my 15 years at the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts centre, where I progressed through the ranks to become Technical Security Manager, that truly shaped my understanding of complex, high‑profile security operations. Working across large public spaces, cultural venues, and high‑footfall environments taught me how to balance safety, guest experience, and operational resilience in fast‑moving, dynamic settings.
After the Southbank Centre, my journey led me to a leadership role as Security Manager for Profile Security on a greenfield site, where I expanded my management capabilities. I later joined SecuriGroup, progressing through multiple senior positions, including Area Manager, European Security Manager for a major financial institution in London, and eventually Regional Manager—roles that deepened my understanding of the business and allowed me to work closely with stakeholders to identify threats, elevate risk awareness, and deliver robust, responsive protective strategies across diverse corporate environments.
I went on to serve as Head of Security at Somerset House, overseeing safety and operations at one of London’s iconic cultural destinations, before moving into my current role as Security Manager with Mitie, supporting a leading law firm. In this role, I continue to focus on empowering teams, strengthening security culture, and delivering excellence.
A defining milestone in my career was receiving the Women in Security Award (Security Manager category) in 2021 whilst working at SecuriGroup, an honour that recognised not only my operational leadership but also my ongoing commitment to raising industry standards through clear communication, effective training, and a people‑first approach.
Beyond operational leadership, I am a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ visibility. I’ve proudly marched at London Pride alongside security professionals under the IPSA umbrella and was honoured to speak at IPSA’s first International Women’s Day event in 2023, moments that reinforced the power of authenticity, representation, and inclusive leadership within an industry that has traditionally remained behind the scenes.
Today, whether speaking to emerging professionals, industry peers, or cross‑sector audiences, I draw on decades of real‑world security experience, from cultural institutions to financial hubs to the legal sector, to share insights on leadership, resilience, inclusive culture, and the evolving role of modern security. In every role, and every room my goal is always to inspire meaningful change and show that security is not just about protection, but about empowerment, trust, and community. Mentoring plays a significant role in that mission: Personal development matters to me, but developing my team matters just as much. I focus on nurturing confidence, and I strive to create teams where individuals feel valued, supported, inspired to grow and ready to achieve their potential, because strong teams are the foundation of a resilient, thriving, and supportive security community.
Sessions
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Women on the Frontline: HERstory in Action28-Apr-2026Professional Security Officer Live