Meet the Team
Vespasian is known as the family company with national capability. Whether you are a client, a team member or a community partner, our Senior Team will always work hard to make you feel welcome.
Managing Director
Oliver Gardiner
In February of 2006, Oliver created Vespasian to establish a high quality service that he felt was missing within the industry.
He wanted to attract motivated staff and to change the perception of private security within the community.
He's passionate about Vespasian maintaining its family business roots and feeling, at the same time aiming for business growth and developing opportunities for operational team members to further their careers through vocational training.
Director
Simon Hodge
Simon came to Vespasian Security after a long career in secondary education management.
He has also held an SIA Door Supervision licence and operated as a frontline team member in the industry since the inception of the SIA in 2004 .
He's a proven and well-seasoned Crowd Manager having been involved with the planning and implementation of crowd safety at some of the UK’s largest festivals and events, from Glastonbury to Royal Coronations.
Director
James Jenkins
James has been active within frontline security operations since 2004.
Beginning in local and regional night time economy venues, James swiftly rose to venue team management status..
In 2014 James joined Vespasian Security, bringing with him all of the skills that he had learnt whilst managing his own business.
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James’ core area of responsibility at Vespasian is the oversight of contracts across the country.
Live Events Manager
Scott Randall
Scott joined the Vespasian team in 2012, beginning his career in event and festival stewarding at just 18.
Scott soon began progressing into supervisory and managerial roles, including being responsible for the deployment of teams at large-scale events. In 2024, Scott achieved his Level 5 qualifications in Crowd Safety Management and Operations or Departmental Manager - both with distinctions.
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Scott can always be found out on the ground and can usually be spotted running across sites, leading response teams!
Northern Region Development Manager
Sharon Alleyne
Sharon began her career in Security in 1993 and is a Level 5 qualified Crowd Manager.
You can usually find her working tirelessly in event control centres across the country as our Radio Control Manager.
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From Goodwood to YNOT, Sharon is there to keep our teams informed and prepared for their duties.
HR Manager
Mel Jenkins
Mel began with us in 2017 as a Screening and Vetting Officer, responsible for organising the allocation of equipment to sites and streamlining referencing procedures.
Since, she has completed her Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, and has been appointed as HR Manager.
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Committed to supporting teams and their wellbeing in her role, she has introduced both an LMS and EAP to teams across the country.
Training Manager
James Coltart
James manages the day to day operations of a Broadside Training, our sister company.
Following his career in Policing, James now specialises in courses relating to the private security industry, spectator events, conflict management, first-aid and Health & Safety.
He has extensive experience in both the security and training sectors, having trained thousands of learners as a tutor and designing a multitude of courses for both Private and Public Sector clients, so he is he is well placed to ensure Vespasian’s staff keep their skills up to date and relevant.
Contracts Manager
Chris Webb
Chris has been working for Vespasian for 6 years, beginning his employment as a static guard, he progressed to supervisory roles across the South.
Joining the office in 2021 as a direct contact for clients and venues, Chris’ role means he’s now liaising with venues directly, ensuring specific requirements are met and providing quotes to prospective clients.
Contract Manager
Jake Browning
Jake joined the Vespasian office in 2022, after working operationally with our teams as both a Door Supervisor and Team Leader.
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You can now find him at Goodwood, as our Contract Manager. Whether its Festival of Speed, Qatar or Revival - Jake will be there!
Head of Client Development
James Nelson
James has extensive experience in both the security and sales industries and joined the Vespasian Office in early 2025 to combine these two expertise.
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His role means he is the point of contact for new and existing clients, working to ensure the services they are provided are of the highest standard.
Finance Manager
Bryan Newell
Bryan has worked within the financial sector since 2003, accumulating an abundance of accounting experience.
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Bryan joined us in July 2025, after working closely with the company for nearly 10 years. He's the one-stop shop for all things holiday pay, payroll and invoicing!
Head of Digital Media and Culture
Ruby Thompson
Since joining the Vespasian team in May 2021, Ruby has worked operationally at some of our largest events. When she's not behind a camera, she can usually be found in Event Logistics and assisting in Radio Control.
…or a main stage pit, should the opportunity arise!
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She won Apprentice of the Year in both Portsmouth and the South East in 2023.
Live Events Project Manager
John Richardson
John began his career with Vespasian in 2013, taking on management and supervisory roles within the company.
Throughout his career, he has dedicated time to expand his expertise, completing a range of advanced qualifications including:
Level 5 Crowd Management
Close Protection
Firearms, Weapons, and Tactics for High-Risk Environments
Private Military Contractor Training
Addressing Sexual Assault in Relation to Festivals & Outdoor Events
Education and Training Level 3
Stadia Manager
Tara Hall
Tara joined the Head Office in 2024, after gaining experience as a Steward, Door Supervisor and Team Leader at various sites across the country.
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With a background in the military, event management and sports management, she brings her expertise, enthusiasm (and laughter) to every match.
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In charge of team coordination, client liaison and transport organisation, Tara's the go-to for all things Stadia and football!
Finance Assistant
Ceyda Sabri
With other previous roles in administration, Ceyda’s transferred her organisational skills, problem-solving and attention to detail to her position with Vespasian.
Her responsibilities range from working to ensure wages, holiday and sickness pay are processed to working closely with a varied list of clients and venues to provide assistance with financial queries.
Seasonal Screening and Vetting Officer
Delphine Queen
Delphine joined the office after previously working with us operationally as a steward.
Balancing her university studies with her work, Delphine works within HR/Recruitment, making sure the application and onboarding process is as smooth as possible for all applicants.
Business Administrator
Eliesha Pettitt
Eliesha joined the Vespasian Team in April 2023 and has since passed her Business Administration apprenticeship with a Distinction.
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With experience and a diverse background in customer service and hospitality, she excels in people facing roles!​
Eliesha has already completed her SIA Door Supervision training, taking the first leap into the security industry!