NASDU, Newark Lane Woking, Woking (2026)

24/06/2026

🌡️ WORKING DOG HOT WEATHER SAFETY

High temperatures are a real risk for Security Dogs, including those working in detection and patrol roles.

Heat stress and heatstroke can develop rapidly in any dog, including experienced working dogs. High levels of drive and adrenaline can mask the early warning signs, so dogs may keep working even as they're becoming overheated.

Whether training, deploying operationally or simply exercising your dog, take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the signs, preventative measures and emergency actions shown below.

Don't forget yourself. Handlers are just as exposed to the heat as their dogs. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, take regular breaks in the shade, and watch for your own signs of heat exhaustion — headache, dizziness, nausea or excessive sweating. A tired or overheated handler can't spot the early signs in their dog.

A few minutes of prevention can avoid a life-threatening situation.

Stay safe and look after your dogs — and yourselves.

22/06/2026

A reminder to all NASDU Trainers regarding Annual Team Certification paperwork across all disciplines.

The annual assessment is not simply a practical assessment conducted on the day, nor is it a paperwork exercise.

When a Trainer signs an annual assessment form, they are confirming that they have personally assessed the team and verified that the team meets the required NASDU standard.

This includes physically checking and verifying the supporting evidence presented by the handler and team.

Where monthly Continuation Training (CT) records and quarterly assessments form part of the certification process, these should be physically checked and reviewed by the Trainer or Assessor conducting the annual assessment.

The easiest way to demonstrate this is to clearly mark the relevant sections on the form. Periods that have been checked and evidenced should be clearly identified. Where records are missing, incomplete, late or unavailable, this should also be marked and addressed as part of the assessment process.

Quarterly or monthly (EDD) assessments require particular attention. Trainers should satisfy themselves that assessments have been completed correctly by a NASDU trainer and that supporting assessment records exist.

However, the responsibility of the annual assessments extends beyond training records alone.

Items such as emergency stop exercises, control and obedience exercises, vehicle checks, equipment, documentation, welfare requirements, veterinary records and other assessment criteria should be physically verified where required by the assessment process.

If an assessor signs to confirm these elements have been checked, then they should have been checked.

Please avoid generic comments within observation boxes. Observations should be specific to the individual team being assessed and should accurately reflect strengths, areas for development, actions taken or any recommendations made.

Annual certification forms part of the evidence trail supporting NASDU certification. Clear, accurate and properly completed paperwork protects the handler, the trainer, the assessor and the Association.

Most importantly, it helps ensure that certification remains meaningful and that standards remain consistent across all disciplines.

Thank you for your continued support in maintaining and improving standards throughout NASDU.

09/06/2026

As NASDU continues to increase its visibility and engagement with members, industry stakeholders and the wider security dog sector, questions are sometimes raised regarding standards, governance, trainer oversight and the work being undertaken to maintain and improve standards across the Association.

The reality is that there is a significant amount of work taking place behind the scenes, much of which is not always visible to the wider membership or on social media.

In recent months, the Inspectorate, Management Committee, Administration Team, Quality Department and Head Office have been involved in a substantial programme of work aimed at strengthening standards, consistency, accountability and governance throughout the Association.

This work includes trainer renewal inspections, follow-up visits, End Point Assessment (EPA) monitoring, paperwork and certification audits, target scent compliance reviews, standardisation activities, verification of certification processes, review of handler and dog eligibility requirements, proof of ownership, support for trainers, development of new trainers, and the investigation of information, concerns and complaints brought to our attention.

It is important to recognise that the overwhelming majority of NASDU trainers, handlers and members work hard to maintain high standards, act professionally and represent both the Association and the industry positively. Across all disciplines there is some excellent work taking place every day, often without recognition or publicity.

However, as with any organisation, standards are not always consistent. Where concerns, shortfalls or non-compliance are identified, NASDU has a responsibility to investigate, establish the facts, provide guidance and support where appropriate, and take action where necessary.

A considerable amount of this work cannot be discussed publicly. This is not due to a lack of transparency, but because confidentiality, fairness, data protection and due process often require matters to be handled through the appropriate channels rather than on social media.

Whilst this can sometimes create the impression that little is happening, that is not the case.

Depending on the circumstances, outcomes may range from advice, guidance and mentoring through to increased oversight, corrective action plans, suspension of certifications, disciplinary proceedings, removal of trainer or handler status and, in the most serious cases, termination of membership.

Our aim is not simply to identify problems, but to support continual improvement, protect the integrity of NASDU qualifications and maintain confidence in the standards that the Association certifies and endorses.

Standards matter. Integrity matters. Public confidence matters.

The work continues every day, whether it is visible or not.

On behalf of the
NASDU Management Committee

03/06/2026

NASDU Annual Management Review Meeting 2026

Today representatives from NASDU Head Office, Administration, Quality and the Inspectorate met at the Holiday Inn Express, Pegasus Business Park, Derby, for the Association's Annual Management Review Meeting.

Attending were Steve Hill, Roger Flett, Sam Flett, Sara Rathbone and Simon Mallin.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the previous 12 months, discuss current projects and priorities, and look ahead to the coming year.

Topics covered included governance, administration, quality assurance, trainer approvals, inspections, learning programmes, certifications, standards development, membership services, business continuity and future planning.

As much of NASDU's day-to-day work is carried out remotely, meetings such as this are important. They allow key personnel to sit down together, review progress, discuss challenges, make decisions and ensure a consistent approach across the various areas of the Association.

A great deal was achieved throughout the day and a number of actions were agreed that will help support NASDU, its members and the continued development of professional standards within the security dog sector.

Much of this work takes place behind the scenes and is rarely seen by members, but it remains an important part of ensuring the Association continues to operate effectively and deliver the services expected of it.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a productive day.

02/06/2026

NASDU AGM 2026 – Woking Football Club

On Wednesday 27th May 2026, NASDU members gathered at Woking Football Club for the Association's Annual General Meeting, marking NASDU's 30th year supporting the private security dog sector.

The AGM included reports from Head Office, the Admin Office, Quality and the Inspectorate, together with an informative presentation by Andy Lightfoot and Brian Mence regarding current developments in knife detection dogs.

The Association would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Jed Marshall, who stood down as Chairman following his retirement from the industry. Jed has dedicated many years of service to NASDU, both as a Committee Member and Chairman, and we wish him every success and happiness in his retirement.

Following his appointment as Head of Canine Standards & Compliance, Simon Mallin also stood down from the Management Committee in accordance with his new role.

It was particularly encouraging to see a good attendance from members and operational dog handlers, together with strong interest in the future direction of the Association.

With two vacancies available on the Management Committee, NASDU received five nominations from members wishing to serve. This level of interest demonstrates the continued commitment of members who are prepared to contribute their time, knowledge and experience to support the Association moving forward.

The first photograph shows the Committee election votes being counted and verified following the AGM, with Simon Mallin, Sam Flett and Steve Hill overseeing the final tally process.

Following the members' vote, NASDU is pleased to welcome Nigel Edwards and Jamie Hicksford to the Management Committee (pictured in the second photograph). Nigel returns to the Committee having previously served for a number of years, including as Chairman, whilst Jamie brings significant operational and training experience together with a fresh perspective as a recently approved NASDU Trainer.

With the election process now complete, NASDU moves forward into 2026–2027 with a strong and experienced Management Committee comprising:

• Lee Deighton
• Aran Dhanoa
• Nigel Edwards
• Roger Flett
• Steve Hill
• Jamie Hicksford
• Dave Pitt
• Ali Tod
• Charlotte Smith

The Committee combines a broad range of operational, training, assessment, compliance and management experience from across the security dog sector. Together, they bring expertise from general purpose dogs, detection disciplines, training, assessment, quality assurance, governance and industry standards, providing a strong foundation for the continued development of NASDU and the wider industry.

We would also like to thank the other candidates who put themselves forward for election and congratulate the existing Committee members who were successfully re-elected. The continued willingness of members to become involved is essential to the ongoing development and success of the Association.

The full AGM minutes will be available on the NASDU website for members wishing to review the proceedings in their entirety.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a productive and positive day.

28/05/2026

NASDU is aware of serious concerns and material currently circulating online relating to the recent AVD trials associated with NASDU Trainer, Satvinder Gill.

For clarity, the AVD trials are not NASDU events and are not organised, sanctioned, or operated by NASDU.

However, following multiple concerns raised directly to the Association, together with further material subsequently brought to NASDU’s attention, NASDU has taken the precautionary decision to suspend Mr Gill’s NASDU Trainer status with immediate effect pending formal review and investigation.

During this period, Mr Gill is not authorised to conduct or deliver any NASDU-related training, continuation training, assessments, or certification activity on behalf of NASDU.

NASDU can also confirm that relevant concerns and material have now been referred to Thames Valley Police and the RSPCA for their consideration.

NASDU remains committed to maintaining professional standards, integrity, animal welfare, public safety, and confidence within the professional security dog sector.

As this matter is now subject to formal review and external referral, it would be inappropriate for NASDU to comment further at this stage.

26/05/2026

Friendly reminder to all NASDU Approved Trainers/Instructors.

As outlined within the NASDU Trainers Code of Practice, Section 8 – Training the Handler, paragraph 8.3 – Trainer to Learner Ratio:

“Instructor/Trainers should consider the learning ability of handlers ensuring the following ratios for practical training are adhered to.”

Any deviation must be justified by the Instructor/Trainer, which may include the use of two qualified NASDU Trainers.

Practical training ratios are as follows:

• GP Dogs – 1:6
• Detection Dogs – 1:4
(May be increased to 1:6 if a fully trained registered course dog is used)

Classroom-based theoretical training should not exceed a Trainer to Learner ratio of 1:12.

Thank you for your continued professionalism and support in maintaining standards.

25/05/2026

NASDU AGM 2026

The National Association of Security Dog Users AGM will take place on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at:

📍 Woking Football Club
Kingfield Stadium
Kingfield Road
Woking
Surrey
GU22 9AA

This year additionally marks 30 years of NASDU service to the Security Dog Sector.

The AGM will include organisational reports, membership and financial updates, committee elections, matters forwarded for discussion and a guest speaker presentation from Andy Lightfoot regarding Knife Detection Dogs.

AGENDA

1000hrs – Arrival (Coffee Tea & Pastries available)

1030hrs – Welcome, together with Organisational reports:

1/ Chairmans Address – Jed Marshall

2/ Apologies

3/ Minutes of Previous AGM (24th April 2025)

4/ Admin Office Report – Roger Flett

5/ Head Office Report – Steve Hill

6/ Quality Report – Sara Rathbone

7/ Inspectorate Report – Simon Mallin

1130hrs – Guest Speakers – Knife Detection Dogs

1230hrs – Lunch (chance to meet our Sponsors & other members)

1330hrs - Welcome back, together with:

8/ Membership Report – Roger/Sam Flett

9/ Financial Report – Steve Hill

10/ Election of Committee

11/ Notice of Other Appointments

12/ Matters forwarded for Discussion

13/ Conclusion

1430hrs – Close (approx)

NB: Following the conclusion of the AGM and in recognition of NASDU’s 30 year service to the Security Dog Sector, there will be an opportunity to meet the new Committee and Network with other members, for which the bar will be opened.

🐾 Friendly reminder for those attending with working dogs:

Whilst working dog handlers are absolutely welcome, it is not practical for dogs to enter the AGM venue itself.

With the warmer weather forecast, please carefully consider whether bringing dogs is appropriate and ensure suitable arrangements are in place regarding vehicle ventilation, welfare, exercise, hydration and rotation with colleagues throughout the day where necessary to ensure that somebody remains with the dogs at all times.

23/05/2026

NASDU was saddened to learn of the passing of former NASDU Approved Trainer and former Committee member Neil Losada.

Neil was involved within the dog training industry for many years and was known to many across both the pet dog and working dog sectors. During his time with NASDU, he contributed both as an Approved Trainer and for a period as part of the NASDU Committee.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Neil’s family, friends, colleagues and all those connected with Best Behaviour K9 at this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Neil.

22/05/2026

Today we remember the victims, survivors, families and all those affected by the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017.

As an Association involved in security, public safety, detection dog disciplines and protective security environments, we recognise the lasting impact this attack had across the UK and the wider security community.

Our thoughts remain with the people of Manchester and everyone whose lives were changed forever that night.

NASDU

24/06/2026

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09/06/2026

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28/05/2026

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