India - Eliminating Threats
India Daley
Assistant Vice President of Threat Intelligence for a leading UK Bank
BA (Hons) Criminology
India was drawn to BCU because of its experienced lecturers and unique course content which allowed her to pursue a fulfilling career in security and intelligence. She’s captured fugitives on Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’, provided aid to the people of Ukraine and now eliminates threats for a leading UK bank.
“After Sixth Form I moved to California to study Psychology. I was excited for a new adventure but sadly the course and university weren’t the right fit for me. I quit university to move back to the UK and figure out what my next steps would be.
This was a tough time for me, as all my friends were loving their university experiences in the UK, and they’d be in my third year by the time I started my degree but during my year off, I developed a passion for criminology and security studies that reignited my desire to apply.
As soon as I arrived on the BCU campus for an Open Day I realised just how little my age mattered. Everyone is on their own unique journey at university, and I didn’t feel judged or left out at BCU. The campus was inviting and modern and nestled right in the heart of Birmingham city centre.
I was drawn to BCU because of the lecturers, such as Emeritus Professor David Wilson. David Wilson is a former Prisoner Governor who specialises in serial killers and has worked with the British Police Force. In my first year, I was chosen to complete a placement with Professor David Wilson working on part of his BBC crime documentary ‘Dark Son’ in Wales. It was an incredible experience and it really helped me understand just how many career paths were available with my degree.
BCU is also the only university I looked at to offer a course which allowed me to specialise in security and intelligence. We studied modules on The Criminal Justice System, Cybercrime and Surveillance, all of which have been useful in my chosen career.
After leaving BCU, I went on to get my Masters in Intelligence and International Security whilst simultaneously working as a Specialist Intelligence Officer for a private Intelligence and Investigations company based out of Kent. After a few years, I was made Head of the Corporate Intelligence Department and gained my SIA qualification as a Close Protection and Surveillance Offer. I knew I could use my experience and qualifications to take on a new challenge.
I was offered a role on the Channel 4 show ‘Hunted’ as an Intelligence Officer in HQ, helping to catch fugitives. This was a highlight of my career, it’s such a fast-paced and exciting world to be a part of. Each day on set brought new challenges and I was able to work with experts who are talented in their chosen field.
Another career highlight was being able to assist in several operations to extract people and assets from Ukraine at the start of the conflict in 2022. I coordinated trucks full of aid to be taken across the border. It was very intense and long hours, but we were able to deliver some hugely positive outcomes. It felt incredibly rewarding to be able to contribute even a small part to those in need during a really difficult time.
Before joining BCU I never would have imagined I would have the opportunity to be part of such significant and fulfilling projects, but my confidence grew in the support environment at BCU.
I work in a male-dominated industry where I’ve often found myself as the only female in the room. Those situations can be incredibly daunting, especially when a lot of people in my field have military or police backgrounds versus my academic and private industry experience. In those situations, I rely on my confidence, skills, and knowledge from BCU. Being a BCU student taught me not to shy away from what makes you different from everyone else in the room.
I’m now the Assistant Vice President of the Threat Intelligence Department of one of the UK’s leading banks. Thanks to BCU, I have the confidence to succeed in my field and take pride in my academic background.”
