Our Board – Association of Security Consultants

Meet Our Board

The ASC Board brings together experienced leaders from across the security consultancy sector to guide the Association’s strategic direction and uphold the highest professional standards.

Gary Thomas

Chair

Gary Thomas

Chair

Gary brings extensive expertise in security project management, covering risk, threat and vulnerability assessments, strategic planning, and the development of technical performance specifications. His work spans the full project lifecycle; from feasibility studies to tender evaluation, ensuring robust and effective security solutions. As Chair of the ASC, Gary provides governance oversight and strategic direction for the organisation.

Simon Crane

Vice Chair

Simon Crane

Vice Chair

Simon is Global Head of Consulting at AHNA Group and a former senior officer in the Metropolitan Police, where he specialised in covert operations targeting terrorism, organised crime, and corruption. A key career moment was designing and delivering the National Covert Security Strategy for the London 2012 Olympics. Since leaving policing, Simon has led strategic security projects across the private sector and internationally, including directing a major security sector reform programme in Libya. He now oversees complex risk and security programmes across multiple global regions and industries.

Nigel Cook

Treasurer

Nigel Cook

Treasurer

A former Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police, Nigel served as a Counter Terrorism Security Coordinator, leading planning for major national events including the Papal State Visit and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Following his policing career, he was Security Adviser at Historic Royal Palaces and now supports organisations such as Arts Council England with security reviews, vulnerability assessments, and Protect Duty readiness. Nigel also chairs the Visitor Attractions Subgroup of the CTBIE and remains active in national counter-terrorism initiatives.

Michelle Elkins MBE

Communications

Michelle Elkins MBE

Communications

Michelle is a seasoned Communications and Client Engagement specialist with a career spanning public affairs, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic media relations across sectors including law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and government. She is the author of the ‘Five Rs’ Crisis Communications Course, delivered globally through the UK Resilience Academy. Recognised as an MBE for Services to Communications, Michelle also serves as a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing the profession and representing the ASC at the highest level.

Lee Doddridge

External Events

Lee Doddridge

External Events

Lee is a highly qualified security professional with extensive experience at both tactical and strategic levels in UK Government departments, including as a former member of NaCTSO within the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure. He is Director of Covenant and Co-Director of REVUIT Services, delivering ISO31000 online risk assessments. A registered Independent Security Consultant and recognised subject matter expert, Lee supports UK government and business interests internationally and serves as a DART Team member for Samaritan’s Purse UK. He leads the ASC’s external events portfolio, fostering collaboration across the industry.

Ken Graham

SABRE Lead

Ken Graham

SABRE Lead

A Chartered Security Professional with over 38 years of experience, Ken is the principal consultant at Instrom Ltd, delivering independent security advice to clients in the UK and internationally. He has particular expertise in the Arts and Heritage sector and is a recognised BREEAM SQSS and SABRE Assessor. Ken’s specialisms include threat and risk assessments, strategic planning, and security design for the built environment. Actively involved in multiple professional bodies, he leads ASC’s Membership Team and supports the development of new and existing members.

Dennis Roe

Academic Engagement & Professional Development

Dennis Roe

Academic Engagement & Professional Development

Dennis brings over 30 years of security experience following a British Army career in REME. A Registered Independent Security Consultant and expert in the FESS sector, he has delivered complex solutions for high-value assets, military installations, and private estates both in the UK and abroad. He is also a university lecturer and End Point Assessor, currently leading research at the University of Portsmouth on burglar entry methods to inform system design. A past winner of the Imbert Award, Dennis continues to advance the profession through academic contribution, training, and international recognition.

Frank Doherty

Membership Team

Frank Doherty

Membership Team

Frank joined the ASC while working in the Middle East, maintaining strong ties to the UK security sector. On returning, he founded Critec Group, specialising in critical national infrastructure, blast mitigation, and water utilities, now employing over 50 professionals. Passionate about professional development, Frank actively supports industry training and qualifications. As a Board member, he is focused on strengthening the ASC’s engagement with the corporate security sector and helping position the ASSOCIATION as the leading source of trusted, independent security advice.

Roger Noakes

Membership Team (Board Member Emeritus)

Roger Noakes

Membership Team (Board Member Emeritus)

An experienced Director with a strong background in customer service, electronic and physical security systems, and strategic planning, Roger brings valuable insight to the ASC’s membership team. A graduate of Brighton, he is also a Board member of SSAIB, a member of the Security Guild, and a Freeman of the City of London. In 2022, Roger was honoured with the Dave Clark Award for his exceptional contribution to the UK security industry.

Sam Stuart

Chair of Associate Member Advisory Panel

Sam Stuart

Chair of Associate Member Advisory Panel

Nikki Ashe

Secretary to the ASC