Joint IPSA & Security Institute Event Celebrates frontline heroes…
The Security Institute and International Professional Security Association (IPSA) co-host a celebration of International Security Officers’ Day.
Sometimes the most powerful moments happen when an entire industry stops to say thank you, and that’s exactly what happened in July at the Meta offices in London for International Security Officers’ Day (ISOD) 2025.
The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) and The Security Institute (SyI) joined forces to create this year’s sold-out event. The two organisations, representing thousands of security professionals across the UK, collaborated with one sole purpose – to focus on what really matters: honouring the people who keep us safe every single day and recognising the contribution of half a million frontline security officers working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year.
The event was about giving security officers the recognition they’ve always deserved but rarely received. Security officers are the first people you see when you enter a building, the last line of defence when things go wrong, and the steady presence that makes everyone else feel safe. Yet how often do we actually stop to acknowledge their contribution?
Security officers from across the UK didn’t just want to attend – they needed to be there; to be in a room where their work was celebrated, where their challenges were understood, and where their contributions were acknowledged by peers who truly get it.
The theme of the day, ‘Our Frontline: a celebration’, featured a series of insightful talks and discussions from Sal Naseem FRSA, Kristin Thue & Sarah Brown, highlighting the professionalism, challenges, and growing recognition of those working on the frontline of our industry. These sessions provided a valuable platform to reflect on best practice and the evolving role of security professionals.
The main event of the day was the IPSA Hall of Fame Awards, where security officers who had gone above and beyond and surpassed all expectations were formally honoured.
On the day the following officers were recognised:
- Torrez Desrae Gordon, K4 Security (K4 Group): awarded for de-escalating a high-risk incident and saving a life
- Sylwia Dudley Stuck, ISS A/S: twice acted under pressure, saving lives with calm leadership
- Charlotte Wigg M.IPSA, SGC Security Services: for lifesaving response at a packed concert
- Barry Higgins, ProFM Group: for helping a resident in crisis with compassion and care
- The late Mumtaz Hanif, Interr: remembered for his kindness and worldclass service. His legacy continues through his son Muhammad Ibrahim, who now steps into the same noble profession
The security officers who lost their lives in the course of duty since 2020 were also remembered.
Satia Rai, CEO IPSA, said: “A heartfelt thank you to all our frontline security professionals and the wider IPSA membership – thank you for believing in us and the work we do. This event was our way of giving back to those who protect us every day. You’re seen. Respected. Supported.
“International Security Officers’ Day isn’t just one day, it’s every day, and this year, we made history. In collaboration with The Security Institute, and partners Meta & MOONHUB, we honoured the real heroes keeping us safe – with meaningful, custom awards that reflect their impact. Having started my career on the frontline 30 years ago, I know what it takes to do this job. It’s tough, often invisible. But absolutely vital.
“ To everyone in the security profession: your story matters. Your actions matter. You can achieve this too. The world is finally paying attention to what we do and it’s about time.”
What made ISOD 2025 truly special wasn’t just the event itself, but what it represented: proof that the security industry is stronger when we work together. IPSA and the Security Institute chose collaboration over competition, creating something bigger and more meaningful than either organisation could have achieved alone.
Partnerships like this send a clear message to every security officer in the UK: your industry is united in supporting you.
Andrew Cooper
Director of Communications
