In August 2016, Pete joined Skills for Security Academy—the sector skills body and academy for the private security sector—as Apprenticeship Director/MD/CEO. Initially brought in on an interim basis, Pete was tasked with implementing a strategic turnaround plan to enhance the academy’s capabilities, improve financial health, and elevate its position within the security training sector.
Background
Challenges Faced
Prior to Pete’s leadership, the academy faced several operational and financial challenges, including:
Declining sales revenue and high operational costs.
A lack of engagement from users and stakeholders.
Inefficiencies in curriculum design and quality oversight.
Limited brand recognition and client retention.
Strategic Initiatives
Pete spearheaded a comprehensive transformation strategy, focusing on:
Financial and Operational Restructuring
Increased sales revenue by 67%.
Reduced costs by 34%.
Boosted profits by 160%.
Curriculum and Quality Enhancement
Led the strategic development of curriculum design, planning, and quality assurance.
Implemented a data-driven approach to identify and address improvement areas.
Improved learner and employer satisfaction to 98%.
Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Partnerships
Strengthened relationships with industry stakeholders to future-proof the academy’s specialisms.
Increased user engagement by 87% and client retention by 97%.
Organizational and Cultural Transformation
Designed and rolled out a new organizational structure alongside the leadership team.
Fostered a culture of innovation and excellence.
Achieved industry recognition, earning the IFSEC Engineers of Tomorrow Award.
Key Achievements
Successfully transformed the academy into a leading provider of security training.
Created a people-focused strategy that prioritised curriculum and quality.
Elevated the brand’s reputation through corporate partnerships and engagement.
Frequently invited to present at major conferences such as SIA, IFSEC, and Talent Summit.
Conclusion
Under Pete’s leadership, Skills for Security Academy underwent a significant transformation, emerging as a premier institution in the private security sector. His strategic vision, operational efficiency, and commitment to stakeholder engagement enabled the academy to thrive, setting a benchmark for future growth and innovation.