An insight into the security efforts behind the visit.
Last week, His Majesty The King visited Imperial's Centre for Injury Studies to witness cutting-edge trauma injury research. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
Ensuring the safety of such a high-profile visit was no small task, and behind the scenes, a dedicated security team worked tirelessly to guarantee the event ran smoothly.
A team of 14 members from the Community Safety and Security and the Risk Management Departments, along with additional support from eight external security professionals from Diligence, were on hand. Their collective expertise ensured the security of the King and the smooth operation of the event.
Among them was David Gordon, Security Service Manager, who played a key role in the preparations. We spoke to him to gain insight into the security efforts behind the visit.
Planning and Preparation
How far in advance did you start planning for the King's visit?
"In January, the visit was put on our radar, and planning began immediately. Things accelerated after discussions with Ronan from the HRH protection detail, where security requirements were articulated and assessed to ensure we could accommodate them."
His Majesty left smiling, and knowing we played a role in that positive experience was incredibly rewarding. David Gordon Security Service Manager
Security Measures Implemented
What were the key security measures put in place for the event?
"We introduced a visual queue on ID cards to easily spot unauthorised individuals, combined with vigilant officer presence at every location. Communication was a major focus, ensuring it was as effective as possible, and emergency plans were put in place."
Coordination with External Security
Did you collaborate with any external security teams, such as the police or royal protection officers?
"Yes, we worked closely with both the police and HRH's Royal Protection detail. Visitors were provided with their own police protection teams, and we liaised with police planners and search teams to understand and manage expectations."
Roles and Responsibilities
What were your main responsibilities on the day of the visit?
"Our responsibilities included setting up the command suite—a system for monitoring and responding to incidents—and assisting the police with access for extensive searches before the visit. We also conducted detailed briefings, only revealing who was visiting on the day to ensure the team fully understood their roles. I personally escorted the party and kept the command suite updated so our team could ensure seamless movement between locations."
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
* Credit: Thomas Angus / Imperial College London
Collaboration with University Staff
How did you coordinate with other university staff to ensure everything ran smoothly?
"A wide range of Property Division workers supported us. Despite not being able to disclose who was visiting, everyone took their responsibilities seriously. From managing food van closures to ensuring fire and lift engineers were on standby, the professionalism of the Division really shone through. The event organisers, Anthony Bull, Lucy Foss, and Lisa Bungeroth, also played crucial roles, ensuring constant communication."
Challenges Faced
Were there any unexpected challenges, and how did you handle them?
"The biggest challenges were shutting down the food van and the depth of required searches. Tony Shephard handled the food van issue expertly, while last-minute search requirements meant ensuring access to every locker and room—a logistical challenge. My approach is always to handle challenges with a positive attitude and a 'get it done' mentality, working collaboratively with colleagues."
What was the biggest logistical challenge in managing security for such a high-profile guest?
"Ensuring our communications worked efficiently and that we had enough staff to cover security without being overly intrusive. Managing the crowds that formed was another challenge. The King loves engaging with the public, so we had to strike a balance—allowing interactions while ensuring safety."
Event Restrictions and Guidelines
Were there any restrictions or guidelines in place for attendees?
"Yes, attendees had to be part of Anthony Bull's Blast Injuries Unit. We used an ID card verification process and a list of authorised attendees."
Reflections on the Experience
What was the most rewarding part of your role that day?
"Seeing all the planning come together and delivering an event that enhanced Imperial's reputation. His Majesty left smiling, and knowing we played a role in that positive experience was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the team rise to the challenge was another highlight—our team is fantastic, and events like this showcase their professionalism and capabilities."
Did the team learn anything new that could help improve security for future VIP visits?
"Yes, we trailed a command suite for this visit, which helped streamline communication and coordination. This allowed me to focus on the event delivery while Tahir and Andy managed background operations—a system that proved invaluable."
How do you feel about the overall success of the event?
"I am incredibly proud of the event's success and of my colleagues for ensuring The King's visit to Imperial was a great experience."
