As the security industry continues to adapt to rapid technological change, shifting workforce dynamics, and growing public expectations, the role of the supervisor has never been more important. Security leaders today are tasked not only with protecting people and property but also with navigating challenges such as staff retention, diversity, digital threats, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and biometrics. To gain a first-hand perspective on how these changes are shaping the industry, we spoke with an experienced security professional whose career spans more than three decades—from door supervision in the late 1980s to his current role as a security supervisor. His insights highlight both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the next generation of security leaders.
Interview Questions with Mick Simpson: The Future of Security Leadership
- Can you start by telling us about your background and how you got involved in the security industry?
It all started back in the late 80’s. I started work at Bingo Hall as an operative which involved opening and securing the building. I used to pop into the pub across the road after work and I used to chat to the door staff. One thing led to another, I gained the local door supervisors badge and hey presto I spent 30 years as a door supervisor/head doorman until I left the business in 2019. I eventually got into security when I applied for a role of at Eldon Square shopping centre in 2013 where I worked my way to supervisor/team leader until 2022.
I now work for Newcastle University as a security supervisor.
- From your perspective, how has the role of security supervisors evolved over the past decade?
The role of security officer has changed dramatically over the past decade especially with the welfare/care aspect of everyday life becoming a responsibility. There is also the technology side (drones, mobile CCTV etc) that can assist security in their role. Gone are the days of being just a door rattler.
- What do you see as the biggest challenges facing security supervisors today?
The industry does not attract quality or retain staff due to low pay rates. A top paying security role is very hard to come by and most companies see security as a cost they can do without regardless of the effect on business. Always the first to be cut in a cost cutting exercise!
- With the rapid advancement of technology in the security sector, how do you think supervisors should adapt to innovations such as AI, biometrics, and data analytics?
New technology will allow the security sector to become an effective tool against crime etc. Adapting to the changes technology will bring will allow security companies to become more efficient and dependable.
- What role do you think technology will play in shaping the future of security management, particularly in areas like threat detection and incident response?
Well, it speaks for itself. CCTV/PIR detection (mobile and fixed) allows for instant notifications to be sent to control rooms or mobile officers.
Efficiency in detection and response!
- How can security supervisors effectively balance the use of technology with the need for human judgment and decision-making?
Technology cannot replace human judgment and should never be relied upon 100%.
While technology can help identify issues, instant human input/decision making will always be required to solve/rectify identified issues.
Investing in both human experience and cutting-edge equipment ensures that companies can be prepared for any eventuality/challenge, allowing them to operate with confidence and peace of mind.
- There has been a lot of discussion about the growing complexity of threats in the security industry. How do you think supervisors should prepare for more skilled and sophisticated bad actors?
Always keep yourself up to date with all developments/advancements in areas of concern/or potential risks.
- In your opinion, how important is cybersecurity knowledge for today’s security supervisors, given the increasing convergence of physical and digital security?
Security is not just physical now and the industry relies heavily on being able to keep data files (client details) etc safe. Knowing what to do in the event of a cybersecurity breach is important and should be considered very important.
- What steps can security supervisors take to build resilience in their teams, especially in the face of workforce shortages and high turnover rates?
Identifying risks, develop contingency plans, training, invest in new technology, and foster a culture of adaptability.
- How do you see the role of leadership in managing diverse and inclusive security teams, and what strategies can supervisors use to create a more inclusive environment?
The role of leadership must be to support all staff, understanding the challenges they could all face, and helping them balance personal and professional aspects. Hold regular one-on-ones and encourage personal connections, enabling discussions on work and well-being.
Strategies would Involve helping all staff/employees to understand what it entails to be inclusive and diverse in the workplace and personal life. Assist with educating on diversity and inclusion topics such as microaggressions, privilege, intersectionality, allyship and share their learnings/experiences with colleagues.
- With the growing polarisation in society, how should security leaders navigate the challenges of managing security in politically charged or divisive environments?
We must create environments where all voices are heard respectfully and inclusively, without compromising the business, personal and psychological safety.
- In terms of crisis management, what leadership qualities do you think are essential for supervisors to manage high-pressure situations effectively?
In any crisis situation a manager/leader should have excellent communication skills and be able to focus on the issues at hand and deal with them swiftly and decisively whilst keeping a clear head under pressure.
- What advice would you give to supervisors looking to develop the next generation of security leaders within their teams?
The best advice I could give to any future leaders is to develop self-awareness, knowing yourself will help you lead people more effectively. Seek feedback from others to identify your strengths and weaknesses, this will allow you to evaluate how your behaviour influences others.
- As the demand for security services grows, what strategies do you think supervisors should employ to maintain exacting standards while managing increased workloads?
Analyse the workload of your team, divide projects into tasks and subtasks, visualise progress and set realistic deadlines, set priorities for faster execution and plan for challenges.
- How important is ongoing training and professional development for security supervisors, and what areas should they focus on to stay relevant?
Training whether it is initial or ongoing is vitally important in security. Keeping up to date with all areas of security is key to providing an efficient and professional service.
- What are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you believe supervisors should use to measure the effectiveness of their security teams?
Some important KPIs for measuring security effectiveness include incident frequency, response time, compliance rate, security expenditure, employee training. These KPIs provide a comprehensive view of your security and help identify areas for improvement.
- Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you think will have the biggest impact on security leadership in the next 5 to 10 years?
Increased AI usage due to the benefits of detection and response. Cyberattacks will increase with the criminals developing new techniques and strategies to infiltrate security systems. MFA will become more widespread and used due to the increased security/reliability.
- With the rise of smart cities and more integrated security systems, how do you see the role of the security supervisor evolving?
A supervisors role will change quite a bit, as they will require skills in all aspects of manual and electronic security systems due to the changing environment (technological advancement).
- What roles do ethics and legal compliance play in modern security leadership, and how can supervisors ensure their teams operate within these boundaries?
The role of ethics and legal compliance play a huge part in security leadership. They help ensure adherence to principles and guidelines that uphold the confidentiality and integrity while respecting privacy and human rights.
Supervisors can ensure their team operate within these boundaries by promoting fairness, accountability, trust, honesty, equality, and respect within the team.
- How can supervisors foster a culture of accountability within their teams, and why is this important for long-term success?
Leaders should model the behaviour they expect from a team, be ready to admit when they are wrong or have made mistakes.
- What advice would you offer to security supervisors who are just starting out in their leadership roles?
Be open, be honest, be yourself, but don’t be fooled. And remember no one is an expert, we are all learning, and a good leader can learn a lot from their team.
- Finally, what excites you most about the future of the security industry, and what are your hopes for the next generation of security leaders?
Technology advancement excites me, we’ve got drones etc to assist in all aspects of security patrolling etc, but with the development of AI who knows what will come next.
The insights shared remind us that security supervision is about much more than patrols and procedures. It is about people, leadership, and adapting to an industry that is becoming ever more complex. While technology will continue to shape the way supervisors work, it is the ability to lead with integrity, support teams through challenges, and stay ahead of emerging risks that will define the future of security leadership. For those stepping into supervisory roles today, the message is clear: keep learning, stay adaptable, and never underestimate the value of human judgement alongside technological innovation.