Eren Bessim

Safer Business Network

Eren Bessim is the Training and Development Manager at Safer Business Network. With a background as a Metropolitan Police officer and then a career in the private sector, Eren has led impactful initiatives in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), driving forward inclusive practices across both public and private sectors. His work continues to foster safer, more supportive environments through strategic training and community-focused development.

His focus on employee engagement and strategic innovation has resulted in award-winning, diverse workplaces and the enhancement of organisational cultures. Eren proudly serves as a board member for the Security EDI Forum, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the security sector

Eren plays a pivotal role in key projects with stakeholders, including the award-winning ‘WAVE’ and ‘Ask for Angela’ programmes, as well as Safe Havens and initiatives addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG),spiking, conflict and safety in the day and nighttime economy. These efforts reflect his unwavering commitment to creating safer, more supportive communities.

In addition to his leadership in safety initiatives, Eren designs and delivers nationally recognised training programmes, including WAVE, Conflict Management, Safe Havens, Crime Scene Awareness and Personal Safety.

Geoff Brown

Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO)

Geoff joined West Yorkshire Police in 1982 and gained specialist skills and qualifications within the Firearms Support Unit where he qualified as an Intervention Officer, a Close Protection Officer, and a Tactical Advisor.

In 2001 Geoff transferred to North Yorkshire Police where he became lead for the Close Protection team managing the protected visits of The British Royal family, protected members of Parliament and foreign dignitaries.

In 2012 Geoff retired from policing and headed to Iraq to work for an Oil company as a security consultant, managing the logistics of local national and expat employees.

Upon returning to the UK Geoff took on the more challenging role of Security manager at University of York. Geoff developed the role and transformed a team that were seen by many as a physical asset security team, to a team that support and advise students, staff and visitors who may present with welfare and safeguarding issues, signposting to the relevant support services available. The team is now identified as the Campus Safety team, who are more approachable and engaging rather than being seen as the enforcers of discipline. This coincided with the launch of the state-of-the-art Campus Safety hub and control room.

In Sept 2024 a free transfer from University of York to University of Leeds occurred, and although Leeds has more students and staff, and is situated in the centre of a metropolitan city, the same concerns are applicable. Students, staff, and visitors require a supportive and engaging team who are available 24/7 365 days a year. A security infrastructure project with capital funding is approved, with a 5-year plan to transform the security team and it’s out of date centre into a modern fit for purpose development.

Geoff has been an active member of the Association of University Chief Security Officers and was a member of the executive as the Chair of the Northern region between 2017 & 2019. He was elected as the Vice Chair in 2023 and in April 2025 became the Chair taking over from Ollie Curran Head of Security at University College London (UCL).

Colleen Harris

The Portmarnock Group

Colleen Harris is the Managing Director and Founder of The Portmarnock Group, one of London’s most respected bespoke security firms. With over two decades of progressive experience across the security and hospitality industries, Colleen has built a reputation as a trailblazer in redefining corporate security through a hospitality and service-excellence lens.

Under her leadership, The Portmarnock Group delivers a comprehensive range of security services across London and the South, trusted by high-profile estates, venues, and corporate clients for its commitment to professionalism, discretion, and operational excellence.

Colleen’s approach blends strategic insight with a people-first philosophy, ensuring that every client experience reflects the highest standards of care and reliability. Her leadership has positioned The Portmarnock Group as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the security sector.

A passionate advocate for women in security, Colleen champions diversity and inclusion in the industry, encouraging women to build successful, fulfilling careers in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. She is also deeply engaged in community initiatives, fostering partnerships with charities and local organisations to create meaningful social impact.

Sarah Cork

WISE UK

Brett Edwards

The National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services (NASHiCS)

As the Health, Safety and Risk Director for RMBI Care Co. who provide care for older people across 17 care homes and the National Chair for The National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services (NASHiCS), who provide guidance, information, knowledge, support and networking opportunities across the Health and Social Care sector, Brett is focussed on effecting positive change around the way in which Health and Safety is viewed and delivered across care.

He very much looks forward to understanding how organisations are tackling violence in the workplace, to ensure the Health, Safety, Welfare and Comfort of everyone who could be subject to it.

Adam Hopper

Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE)

In 2022, Adam moved to the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives as the National Ambulance Violence Prevention and Reduction Operational Lead, leading a programme of work focusing on; VPR education, data, evidence base development, regulatory and legislative compliance, professionalisation of VPR as an industry and developing a programme of restrictive interventions.

A long serving NHS employee since 2006, educated to degree level in Law, utilising vast experience across the NHS having worked in prescription remuneration, fraud, risk management and business continuity prior to moving to the North East Ambulance Service as Risk Manager, overseeing a portfolio of corporate risk management, governance, violence prevention and reduction, security management and body worn video cameras.

Adam is eager to continue supporting all ambulance and wider NHS colleagues to work without fear in the course of providing first class patient care and services to the public.

Kim Sunley

Royal College of Nursing

Kim is an experienced health and safety practitioner and Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at the Royal College of Nursing where she has worked for over fifteen years.  Kim holds staff side chair on the NHS Staff Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group and represents the RCN on a number of working groups focussed on improving working environments and conditions for nursing staff. 

Prior to working for the RCN, Kim worked in occupational health and safety within the NHS and as the lead national officer for health and safety at the GMB and Society of Radiographers.  She is committed to reducing violence and aggression in the workplace and has led and supported a number of projects promoting better protections for health and social care workers across the UK and Europe.

Dr. Brodie Paterson

Industry Expert – European Network for Trainers In The Managment of Aggression

Dr. Paterson has worked as a clinician, manager and researcher in the public, private and not for profit sectors and has published more than a hundred and fifty papers, book chapters and research reports on violence reduction in health, social care and education. He presently Chairs the European Network for Trainers in the Management of Aggression and is a trustee of the UK Restraint Reduction Network. He is an Honorary fellow Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, a Fellow of the European Academy of Nursing Scientists and an honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary’s University, London.

Satty Singh

Transport for London (TfL)

Satty Singh has worked for Transport for London for over 30yrs; over 25yrs of which has been in operational training and development. Satty’s informed and supported TfL’s approach to Workplace Violence and Aggression.

Mike Hurst

International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK)

Mike Hurst CPP® CPOI has been active in the Security and Fire Sector for over 30 years and is Director of executive recruiters HJA Consult. Through his professional and volunteer leadership experience, he has developed an excellent international network of senior security professionals. A regular contributor to the security media, he has spoken and been on panels at events globally.

He is joint founder of AllSecurityEvents.com the listing site and is named on the IFSEC Global Influencers list. He is also the founder of the #SecurityMindsMatter project.
He is the Executive Director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) UK & Ireland.

Claire Humble

UK Security Commonwealth

Claire is a highly experienced safety and security professional, with experience gained across the globe, spanning both the public and private sector. She holds positions including as Chair of the Security Commonwealth,  Board Executive Officer NAHS, Board Member of IFPO and EDI Lead for the TINYg Advisory Board.  She is the go-to security expert for top calibre brands including Formula One, Canary Wharf Group and several international agencies.   

With a strong value set, determination and a highly competitive drive, Claire rapidly progressed up the ranks within both the UK and New Zealand police forces, pushing for innovation as a transformative leader. Pursuing a change of direction, she joined the higher education sector but found more of the same: an industry taking an autocratic and rigid approach to safety, resilience and security, with little willingness to change. 

It was apparent to Claire that a nu-way of thinking was needed and in 2023 she founded Nuparadigm Ltd, with a mission to reset the industry standard, challenge the status quo and push the sector to appreciate diverse thinking and lived experience. 

Roger Ringham

National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS)

Roger is Chair of the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS). He is a Board Director of NAHS Limited (Companies House registration 13242341), and Chair of the South West Region Security Management Group (SWSMG).

In addition, Roger works as an Assistant Director in the NHS, where he is the Head of Service for Security and Fraud Experts (SAFE).

SAFE delivers specialist services including security management, counter-fraud and related training to: NHS organisations, Local Government Authorities and to the private sector. It is responsible for the protection of >30,000 employees at over 1,000 sites nationwide from the threat of physical harm and financial abuse.

Before joining the NHS, Roger served as a Police Officer and spent most of his time in a variety of investigative roles. Specialising in the investigation of major, serious, and complex crime.

In addition, he trained as an Authorised Firearms Officer. Working in V.I.P. Protection and engaged on Category ‘A’ escort duties (Transportation of High Value Targets).

Lisa Maslen

National Business Crime Centre (NBCC)

Karen Whybro

Security Industry Federation (SIF)

Hana Garnham

Security Industry Federation (SIF)

Laura Smith

International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS UK Chapter)

Tom Meredith

International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) 

Hannah Wadey

Safer Business Network 

Hannah Wadey is Chief Executive for Safer Business Network, a Community Interest Company dedicated to bringing businesses together to enhance safety and security through partnership, information sharing and training. Under her leadership, the Company has become the UK’s leading Business Crime Partnership, representing thousands of businesses, across thriving and diverse town centres. Safer Business Network is also recognised for its award winner women’s safety programme which includes WAVE and Ask for Angela.  

With a background in Criminology, Hannah began her career in local government leading key community projects in an inner-city London borough. It was moving to the New West End Company BID that ignited her passion for the business community’s role in ensuring public safety and flourishing town centres.  Hannah feels passionately in ensuring the business community gets the recognition and voice it deserves in all community safety projects as they play a vital role in keep people safe.  

Anas Wihaib

Women’s Security Society

Anas Wihaib is a security professional with a wealth of experience in public-private partnerships, business continuity, and corporate resilience. While originally planning to become a Scenes of Crime Officer, Anas discovered a passion for the private security industry and went on to complete a Master’s Programme focusing on the impact of business crime across UK retailers. This marked the beginning of her career in security partnership.

Over the years, Anas has built a strong network of contacts in both law enforcement and private security, and has worked on a number of counter-narrative programmes aimed at bridging the gap between private security and law enforcement. Her expertise in public-private partnerships has made her a valuable asset in the field of corporate resilience.

In addition to her work in the security industry, Anas currently works for a large tech, covering the EMEA region, which has allowed her to learn the nuisances and cultural difference in the realm of security. She is also the Project lead for Webinars, where she plays an active role in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the security industry.

Anas is passionate about promoting and professionalising the security industry as a desirable career path for those embarking on their career, or those considering a new path in their career journey. As such, she is proud to have joined the board of the Women’s Security Society, where she hopes to work on a number of innovative projects with the wider board and partners. Her dedication to advancing the industry and her commitment to collaboration make her a valuable member of the security community.