Meet the Steering Group

Thomas is the Chief Security Officer for Access Now. He is responsible for overseeing policies, programmes, and strategies to mitigate and reduce digital, physical, and operational security risks for the organisation and its staff. Prior to joining Access Now, Thom spent five years as the Global Security Manager for Transparency International, supporting the safety and security of anti-corruption activists. With a background in conflict analysis and a Master's in Post-War Recovery Studies, he worked for several years in the humanitarian and development sector, at both the field and HQ level, across parts of South East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Marieke van Weerden has made her career in the humanitarian security sector, climbing through the ranks into her current leadership position as Director of Health, Safety and Security at Catholic Relief Services, one of the world’s largest aid agencies. Marieke has an academic background in history and human rights and has evolved her hands-on risk management experience with strategic insights at IE Business School, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School and Yale. She is passionate about building a career pathway for humanitarian security professionals, revolutionising the security narrative and driving the creation of a security community widely known for its innovation, resilience and agility.

Amaury is an accomplished security and operations expert with over two decades of experience. In his current role as Vice President of Global Safety and Security at HIAS, Amaury leads efforts to protect and support personnel, assets, and vulnerable populations worldwide. A dedicated advocate for NGO safety and security, Amaury co-founded the International NGO Safety & Security Association (INSSA) and serves on its Board of Directors. He is also actively involved in the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Amaury holds an MA in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a BA in International Relations with minors in Global Peace & Security and East Asian Cultural Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Peter is a dedicated humanitarian professional who brings 25 years of global experience to GISF’s Steering Group. He has spent most of that time working overseas in senior management positions and as a member of Concern’s Emergency Response Team. He currently serves as the head of Concern’s Emergency Technical Unit based at their Dublin headquarters, where he is the organisational lead on security risk management. His unit also includes some technical programme advisers. Peter leads on some of Concern’s new country responses such as Burkina Faso and most recently Yemen.

Neil brings over 25 years of international experience in humanitarian emergency response and security risk management to GISF’s Steering Group. His expertise includes de-mining, civil/military liaison, and coordination for rapid and complex emergencies. Neil has held both operational and senior HQ roles at various organisations, including Save the Children UK, GOAL, and CARE. Neil holds a postgraduate degree in International Security from Cranfield University at the Defence Academy and currently serves as the Global Head of Security for Oxfam International.

Anne-Céline is a political risk analyst and humanitarian aid specialist with over 20 years of experience across international NGOs. She has served in various roles, including programs manager, field coordinator, and head of mission, with organisations like Solidarité International, Première Urgence and the ICRC. With extensive field experience in Africa and the Middle East, Anne-Céline has developed expertise in population protection, networking, security management, and access negotiation. She currently serves as the Director of Security and Access for Action Against Hunger France.

Paul is a passionate and dedicated professional, with over three decades of experience within the sector. After leaving the Royal Air Force in 1991, Paul began working within the Safety & Security Industry. He joined GOAL late 2018, having previously worked alongside various international and regional organisations in Africa. Paul currently lives in Rwanda, serving as GOAL’s Global Safety & Access Advisor.

With two decades of security risk management experience, Toby has worked across multiple sectors and at the country, regional and global level. He joined Amnesty International in 2017, and is currently their Director of Global Security & Workplace with responsibility for safeguarding and facilities functions alongside security operations worldwide. It was whilst at Amnesty that Toby was first introduced to the work of GISF, and he has been actively involved since helping to integrate human rights-focussed INGOs into the membership group.