Topstones Girlguiding Centre in Leicestershire was the venue for the Security Institute’s second annual Young People’s Skill Building Event on Monday, June 23. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as a patron of the Institute was among those attending (pictured right; accompanied by Institute chair Julie Nel).
Building on last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s featured an expanded programme of practical challenges and security-focused skill-building demonstrations, thanks to the participation of a range of corporate partners and security companies. These showcased their expertise through a series of activities, giving young people an opportunity to explore real-world applications in the security sector.
The day included displays and workshops led by teams from the UK official National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), Specialist K9s, Surelock McGill, Bores Group Ltd, the counter-surveillance consultancy Esoteric and the headline sponsors Responsec. Covered was everything from perimeter protection systems and canine handling, to cyber security simulations and physical resilience tasks. Also contributing were local emergency services such as Leicestershire Fire & Rescue and Leicestershire Police. St Johns Ambulance cadets also returned from last year.
Over 150 young people attended, from groups including the Loughborough Sea Cadets, St John Ambulance Cadets, Warwickshire Police Cadets, Leicestershire Fire Cadets and Loughborough College students. They navigated skill-building activities designed to foster teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience.
Dignitaries and guests included the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur; the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Colonel Richard Hurwood; the Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Eileen Perry; The High Sheriff of Leicester, Stephen Bryan with Consort Jane Bryan; the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Paul Harrison with Consort Luke Harrison; the Chairman of Harborough District Council, Councillor Peter James and the Temporary Chief Constable Leicestershire Police, David Sandall.
At an awards ceremony, participants were recognised for their performance across the various activities. The winners demonstrated outstanding initiative and teamwork, embodying the spirit and potential of leaders within the security profession.
Sarah Austerberry MLitt CSyP FSyI, CEO of the Security Institute, said afterwards: “This second iteration of our Skill Building Event has exceeded all expectations. The participation of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was a true honour and a testament to the importance of what we are building. The enthusiasm of the young attendees, combined with the generous support of our exhibitors, created a truly unforgettable day. We are proud to be nurturing young talent and helping to build a stronger, safer future through education, exposure and experience.”
Organisers thanked the Leicestershire Girlguiding, whose continued support and hospitality made the event possible for a second year.
Photo courtesy of Dean Rossiter Photography.
