Catherine Ling
Contributer
Catherine is a senior leader in UK Counter Terrorism Policing, currently serving as the Head of the Policy and Guidance Department at the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO). With a career in policing spanning over two decades, Catherine oversees critical units responsible for the UK’s protective security landscape, including the Venues and Public Spaces and the Hazardous Sites and Substances teams. Her leadership is instrumental in driving national standards for preparedness and resilience against evolving terrorist threats.
Before transitioning into national policy in 2019, Catherine spent 17 years as a senior forensic expert. She played a pivotal role in some of London’s most high-profile investigations, earning multiple commendations for her expertise in unprecedented cases and delivering expert testimony at Crown Court.
A dedicated advocate for diversity within the sector, Catherine is a mentor for the Women in National Security (WiNS) scheme and an active member of the Women in Security Network. She is committed to fostering the next generation of female leaders and ensuring a more inclusive future for the national security community.
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