Image courtesy MoD / gov.uk

His role at the UK’s leading partnership body between Government and industry in the national security and resilience sector will start on 1st January 2026.  
 
Paul Lincoln joins RISC following an extensive career at the highest levels of Government. Most recently, he served as the Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and prior to that as Director General of Border Force. His earlier career includes leadership roles within the Home Office, where he was Director General for the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) and senior roles within the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence, shaping critical elements of the UK’s national security and resilience architecture.  

 
Paul Lincoln CB OBE VR, upon accepting the role, commented: “I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of Chair of RISC. The partnership between Government and industry is fundamental to maintaining and enhancing the UK’s national resilience. RISC plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and supporting innovation across the security sector. I look forward to working closely with colleagues from across Government, industry and academia to continue this important work.” 
 
Dan Jarvis MP, Minister for Security, said: “I'm very pleased to welcome Paul Lincoln as the new chair of the Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community. Paul brings highly valuable expertise as Government continues to work in close partnership with industry to drive economic growth and strengthen national resilience. I look forward to working with Paul and RISC members to build a more resilient and secure Britain.” 
 
Paul succeeds Dr Hugo Rosemont, who served as interim Chair throughout 2025. The RISC board and wider industrial community thanks Rosemont for his service.  
 
Established in 2007 at the behest of the Home Office, RISC is an inclusive alliance of trade associations, suppliers and other organisations that represent the UK’s security and resilience sector. It serves as the principal channel of communication between the UK Government and the security and resilience sector. RISC co-chairs the Security and Resilience Growth Partnership (SRGP) with the Minister for Security, bringing together industry, academia and Government for the development, promotion, and delivery of UK security capabilities. 
 
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, commented: “RISC is delighted to welcome Paul Lincoln to the role of Chair. His expertise and extensive knowledge of national security and defence, combined with his leadership across government, makes him a perfect fit for the role. His experience will be invaluable as we strengthen the UK’s security and resilience sector in support of national and global challenges.” 
 
Julian David, CEO of TechUK, said: “TechUK congratulates Paul on his appointment as Chair of the UK’s Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC). At a time when security and resilience are at the forefront of national and global debate, his appointment comes at a critical moment. 
 
"Established to work alongside the Home Office in helping to implement the UK’s national security objectives and to fulfil the economic potential of the UK security sector, RISC acts as the Government’s principal conduit to the security and resilience community, including the technology sector which plays a vital role in keeping the UK safe in an increasingly digital world. 
 
"We stand ready to work with Paul on key priorities for the sector, supporting his role in co-chairing the Security and Resilience Growth Partnership and the delivery of the ambitions of the National Security Strategy. His direction will be vital in strengthening the UK’s security, cyber resilience and wider growth capabilities in an increasingly complex and contested global landscape.” 
 
Mike Reddington, CEO of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), said: “BSIA as a founding member of RISC are delighted to welcome Paul Lincoln to the role of Chair. His knowledge and extensive experience of national security and defence, combined with his leadership across Government, make him a perfect fit for this role. Paul will be an active driver of RISC’s key initiatives, to ensure we continue to strengthen the UK’s security and resilience sector in support of national and global challenges.”