Reflecting on Baroness Ruth Henig, CBE JP DL, Honoring her life's works and achievements
Baroness Ruth Henig: A Champion for Women in Security
In the realm of the security industry, the name Ruth Henig is synonymous with dedication, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of equality. Henig, who passed away in 2018 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the advancement of women.
Henig, a CBE, JP, DL, and former Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), served with distinction for six years. Her tenure was marked by her intellectual, knowledgeable, and determined nature, qualities that resonated throughout her career. Prior to her role at the SIA, Henig had an academic career and a 24-year tenure in local government, including a decade as Chair of the Association of Police Authorities.
Henig's impact on the security industry was so significant that in 2024, a prestigious award named the Baroness Ruth Henig Award was introduced to honour her memory. This award is given to women who have made exceptional contributions to the security profession, going beyond their job roles through leadership, innovation, mentoring, and operational excellence.
The award highlights individuals who have quietly changed lives behind the scenes or made a broader impact on the industry, reflecting Henig’s own influence and dedication to advancing women in security.
Henig's close friend, Una Riley, the first female Master of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, was instrumental in establishing the Women in Security Awards. With Henig's support, the inaugural Women in Security Awards took place at the SIA, a testament to their shared vision for gender equality in the industry.
Riley and Henig, despite their differing political backgrounds, were able to maintain a friendship that lasted until Henig's death. Riley misses Henig terribly and considers her loss to be very difficult.
Henig was also supportive of initiatives promoting women in the security industry. Her generosity extended beyond her time and knowledge, as she invited Andrea Berkoff to the House of Lords for an interview.
One of Riley's initiatives was the Peter Greenwood Award, which ran for 20 years but had no female nominees during that time. This fact underscores Henig's impact, as her influence extended to inspiring others to champion gender equality in the industry.
Henig's personal life was as remarkable as her professional one. Born to refugee parents who escaped from the Nazis via Holland in 1940, Henig's resilience and determination were evident from an early age.
In her personal life, Henig enjoyed activities such as snorkeling with her grandchildren. Her fight against cancer was as courageous as her professional life, a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Riley and Henig shared a unique bond, often spending nights out with their husbands. They even wrote a food column in City Security magazine under the pseudonyms Mango and Blip. Their friendship, forged under adverse conditions, stood the test of time, a testament to their mutual respect and admiration.
In memory of Henig's significant legacy, the security industry continues to strive towards greater gender equality, inspired by the woman who fought tirelessly for change and left an indelible mark on the profession.
- Baroness Ruth Henig's influence extended beyond the security industry, as her relentless pursuit of equality led to the creation of the Baroness Ruth Henig Award, which honors women in business who excel in leadership, innovation, mentoring, and operational excellence.
- Despite her academic and political career, Baroness Ruth Henig's dedication to finance and leadership was evident in her role as the former Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where she championed women in business and strived for equality in the security profession.
