Sarah Austerberry co-opted to Security Institute Board

Sarah is a thought leader within the field of personnel security, with a successful career of 20 years working in UK Government as a security subject matter expert. After serving as a senior leader within Government security for several years, Sarah is now the Director of Au Security Consulting. Her role includes auditing, designing and developing innovative personnel and people security risk mitigation programmes for the critical national infrastructure and crowded places (government and private industry) in the UK and overseas.
Through her work with the Security Institute and a number of universities, Sarah has demonstrated her commitment to championing professional development for security professionals, as well as encouraging young professionals to enter the industry. Most recently, Sarah co-hosted the Security Institute’s Virtual Conference Week. Sarah’s experience in Government security is highly valued as the Institute continues to strengthen their engagement with Government, as is her specialist expertise across a number of key areas of practice including insider risks.

Speaking on Sarah’s co-option, Security Institute Chair Professor Alison Wakefield PhD CSyP FSyI said:
“Sarah is a longstanding supporter and active member of the Institute who brings significant expertise and profile in national and organisational security to the Board of Directors. As we seek to build our capability and prominence as thought leaders in the ever-widening security domain, Sarah has a significant amount to contribute and we very much look forward to working more closely with her.”

Security Institute Chair Elect Peter Lavery FSyI added:

“On behalf of the Institute membership and the Board I am delighted that Sarah has accepted our invitation to join the Board of Directors. Sarah has already made a significant contribution to the Institute with her work on insider risks and we also greatly appreciated her co-hosting of our annual Virtual Conference Week. Sarah brings considerable experience from her former career in HM Government and as a subject matter expert in personnel and people security risks.”

Sarah said of her co-option:

“I am delighted to be have been asked to join the Board of the Directors of the Security Institute. This is my opportunity to give something back to the Institute, which has supported my career in security over many years. I very much look forward to this role helping to shape and steer the Institute and developing a portfolio that will add value to our members.”

Sarah will formally stand for election at the Institute’s AGM in April 2021.