MEET THE TEAM.
Industry experience. Specialist knowledge. Professional training.
Our team brings together experienced security professionals, specialist instructors and industry consultants with backgrounds spanning close protection, surveillance, intelligence, emergency medical care, law and drone operations.
Alongside their roles within Close Protection Academy, all of our team remain operational within their specialist fields, helping ensure our training remains current, practical and relevant to the industries our learners are preparing to work in.
NICK PLAYER
TRAINING & COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR
Nick leads Close Protection Academy and oversees the development, delivery and quality assurance of training across the centre.
Alongside managing the Academy, Nick remains actively involved in training delivery, delivering Control & Restraint programmes and working as a specialist instructor across advanced security courses, including Close Protection.
Nick has extensive operational experience in the UK and overseas, across both land and maritime security environments. His background includes working on theatre and arena tours as a Security and Tour Manager for high-profile artists, as well as working within maritime security aboard cruise ships.
He is also an active member of the Armed Forces, working with the Royal Air Force Police and Security, bringing current operational experience, discipline and professional standards into his approach to training.
His combination of operational experience, instructional knowledge and training compliance helps ensure CPA courses remain practical, professionally delivered and aligned with current industry requirements.
SPECIALIST AREAS
✓ Assessment & IQA
✓ Training Compliance
✓ Close Protection Training
✓ Control & Restraint Training
✓ Physical Intervention Training
CAROLINE SULLIVAN
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Caroline oversees the day-to-day operations of Close Protection Academy while also playing an active role in the delivery and development of our specialist security training.
An experienced Close Protection professional and instructor, Caroline specialises in surveillance and intelligence, bringing extensive operational experience into the classroom.
Her professional background includes service with the RAF Police and almost 20 years working within the Prison Service, giving her extensive experience in security, operational environments, conflict management and working with individuals in challenging situations.
Alongside her role at the Academy, Caroline remains actively operational within the security industry, working through her own surveillance and intelligence company with operations in both the UK and overseas. This ongoing industry involvement ensures her training is informed by current operational practices, real-world experience and the evolving demands of the security sector.
Her practical knowledge and continued operational experience help learners understand how the skills developed during training translate directly into professional security operations.
SPECIALIST AREAS
✓ Operational Security
✓ Surveillance & Intelligence
✓ Surveillance Training
✓ Close Protection Training
✓ Control & Restraint Training
✓ Physical Intervention Training
JILL ROBERTSON
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Jill leads business development and is also one of our Specialist Medical Instructors.
With many years of experience working within the NHS, Jill brings extensive healthcare knowledge and practical experience to our medical training. She is also an experienced Close Protection professional with a strong background in operational security.
Jill has been responsible for managing Door Supervision and security operations at some of London’s largest venues, giving her extensive experience in managing security teams, public safety and challenging operational environments.
She also has specialist experience working with children and young people, bringing an additional dimension to our first aid and medical training.
SPECIALIST AREAS
✓ Close Protection
✓ Door Supervision & Venue Security
✓ Business Development
✓ First Aid & Medical Training
✓ Paediatric Care
✓ Children & Young People
SEAN LUNNEY
SPECIALIST MEDICAL INSTRUCTOR
Sean is a Close Protection Operative, medical professional and specialist instructor responsible for delivering medical and first response training at Close Protection Academy.
Alongside teaching, Sean works operationally as a Medical Technician, bringing current frontline experience into the training environment.
His combination of security and medical experience is particularly valuable when preparing learners to manage medical incidents within challenging and operational environments.
SPECIALIST AREAS
✓ Close Protection
✓ Emergency Care
✓ Pre-Hospital Care
✓ First Aid & Medical Training
TIA DAVIES
SPECIALIST MEDICAL INSTRUCTOR
Tia is a Close Protection Operative, medical professional and Specialist Medical Instructor delivering first aid and emergency care training at Close Protection Academy.
Alongside her instructional role, Tia works operationally as a Emergency Care Assistant and has worked as a Security and First Aid Team Leader at a variety of major festivals and events throughout the UK, giving her extensive experience in managing teams and responding to incidents in busy and challenging environments.
Tia is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and wellbeing, promoting the importance of recognising and supporting both physical and mental health within the security and events industries.
Her combination of security, medical and operational experience allows her to bring realistic scenarios and current frontline knowledge directly into the classroom.
SPECIALIST AREAS
✓ Close Protection
✓ Festival & Event Management
✓ Mental Health Training
✓ Emergency Care
✓ Pre-Hospital Care
✓ First Aid & Medical Training
CONTACT US
Call us now on: 0800 6226 526
Speak to our team about courses, qualifications or choosing the right training for you.