SJUK Leaders in Security 2026, in association with HID, will provide a platform for candid discussion, actionable insight and collaboration.
The SJUK Leaders in Security Conference returns to the Hilton Deansgate on 24 June, bringing together leaders from across corporate security, risk, crisis management and other related disciplines.
Senior attendees will represent sectors spanning critical infrastructure, major events, government and executive protection, creating a high-level forum for insight and collaboration.
As planning for the event gathers pace, Conference Chair, Rick Mounfield, the 2026 Advisory Panel and Managing Editor, James Thorpe, have been engaging with the market to shape an agenda that reflects the realities security leaders are facing right now.
Through the February Call for Papers campaign and discussions with practitioners across the UK, one thing is clear: Organisations are navigating an environment defined by complexity and constant change.
The core focus for 2026 remains firmly set once again on the issues “keeping leaders awake at night” – the challenges influencing strategy, resilience and board-level decision-making.
From evolving threat landscapes to leadership pressures and resource constraints, the event will centre on experience-driven insight.
The aim is to craft an agenda rooted in reality: Substance over buzzwords and education over promotion.
Discussions will prioritise actionable thinking that attendees can take back to their teams, supporting stronger governance, smarter investment and more resilient frameworks.
“As Conference Chair, it is my privilege to help curate the content for the prestigious SJUK Leaders in Security Conference 2026, taking place on 24 June,” explains Mounfield.
“This respected forum brings together senior security leaders to share strategic insight, exchange real-world experience and network with like-minded professionals shaping the future of the discipline.
“On behalf of the Conference team, we continue to invite submissions that address the key challenges facing security leaders and advance professional practice through informed, forward-looking perspectives.”
Last year’s SJUK Leaders in Security Conference explored how strong business acumen underpins sustainable security functions in a competitive landscape, alongside strategies to withstand, respond to and recover from incidents proactively.
A major theme was the convergence of physical and cybersecurity, including the strategic role of modern SOCs leveraging PSIM and open integration platforms.
Sessions examined how the principle of “never trust, always verify” can be applied across digital and physical domains – from identity-based access management to integrating cyber, OT and physical security environments.
Leadership in high-pressure contexts was another defining thread.
Framed as a human-centred discipline, it focused on those who act when plans fail, lead across time zones and moral fault lines and prioritise outcomes over outputs.
The importance of developing the next generation of security professionals to build adaptive, future-ready organisations was also emphasised.
Further discussions covered executive protection in a converged security landscape, managing complex and fast-moving crises and delivering timely, actionable communications to protect people, property and assets.
Panels also explored how AI is reshaping risk identification and mitigation, while also questioning whether professionals are being equipped to think beyond traditional domain silos.
“With the 2026 event just round the corner, SJUK Leaders in Security will once again provide a strategic platform for candid dialogue, shared learning and practical insight,” explained James Thorpe.
“Working closely with Rick and our Advisory Panel, we’re curating a programme that addresses many of the issues facing senior leaders today.
“I would like to thank our friends and Partners for their strong engagement during our Call for Papers campaign and for the continued conversations that continue to help us refine the agenda as we get nearer to the event.
“That dialogue has been invaluable in ensuring the conference tackles the themes genuinely keeping leaders awake at night.
“I encourage you to register for your chance to attend and join us at the Hilton Deansgate in June.
“We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be an insightful and impactful event.”
The Call for Papers may be closing on 6 March, but it’s not too late to make your voice heard.
We are constantly seeking fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enrich the conversation.
The team is working diligently to craft an agenda that addresses the most pressing challenges and emerging trends facing UK security professionals – not just today, but tomorrow and beyond.
Whether you have research, insights or real-world experience to share, your contribution can help shape a dynamic and forward-thinking program.
Join us in driving the discussion and influencing the future of the security landscape.
Are you a senior professional working in security, risk or crisis management?
Register now for your chance to attend the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference 2026.
The invite-only event will once again convene senior leaders from across the UK and Europe who are shaping the future of security, risk, crisis management and beyond.
Over the course of a full day, attendees will engage in high-level discussions, exchange insights on emerging challenges and best practices and build meaningful connections with peers facing similar strategic priorities.
Designed for decision-makers, the event offers a rare opportunity to network in a focused, trusted environment while exploring the ideas and strategies driving resilience and preparedness.
Interested in speaking at the event? Please contact: [email protected]
Interested in sponsoring the event? Please contact: [email protected]
This article was originally published in the March edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.
