Highfield International Level 02 Award In Security Guarding, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Highfield International Level 02 Award In Security Guarding, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Welcome to Black Onyx Academy, your premier destination for Security Industry Authority (SIA) and First Aid training courses. We specialise in delivering top-tier, accredited programs designed to equip you with the essential skills and certifications needed to succeed in the security and safety industries. Our SIA courses prepare you for a range of security roles, ensuring you meet industry standards, while our First Aid courses provide critical life-saving knowledge, empowering you to respond effectively in emergency situations. With expert trainers and hands-on learning, Black Onyx Academy is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals.
We offer bespoke training solutions in Protester Management, Crime Scene Management, and Hostile Environment First Aid. Our specialised courses are tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by professionals in high-pressure environments. Designed by industry experts, our programs provide practical, scenario-based learning to equip you with the skills and confidence required for effective decision-making in critical situations. Whether managing dynamic protests, preserving vital evidence at crime scenes, or delivering life-saving care in hostile conditions, Black Onyx Academy ensures you are prepared for the realities of your role.
Building reliable relationships through consistent service delivery.
Upholding high standards of professionalism and ethics.
Delivering professional, high-quality security and risk management services.
Stefan Northfield is a performance specialist, former Royal Marine, and strategic partnerships lead for the Black Onyx Academy. His career spans military service, international maritime security, and senior operational management of large-scale security projects across the Middle East. Stef progressed into leadership roles where he directed complex projects, coordinated multi-disciplinary teams, and ensured delivery in high risk and logistically demanding environments. Known for his discipline, focus and grounded leadership style, Stef brings a rare blend of operational experience, physical performance expertise and mindset coaching to his work with young people, teams and organisations.
A CrossFit coach and strength and conditioning specialist, Stef has coached diverse groups ranging from corporate teams to elite performers. He has competed in the European CrossFit Games, strongman competitions, and has featured as a fitness model – experience he uses to build capability, confidence and resilience in others.
Alongside performance coaching, Stef has developed a strong reputation for motivational delivery and high impact workshops. His work now extends to strategic development through his leadership role at Black Onyx Academy, supporting the growth of the S.A.L.T. programme and driving partnerships with schools, local authorities and community groups.
Matthew C. Jones is a highly experienced training professional, security specialist, and medical response practitioner, bringing over 22 years of service as a Royal Navy Petty Officer into the civilian training and protection environment. With a career built on leadership, operational delivery, and instructional excellence, Matthew now serves as Training Manager at Black Onyx Academy, where he leads the development, quality assurance, and delivery of specialist security and medical training programmes.
Matthew is an accredited instructor across a broad spectrum of disciplines including Close Protection (CP), First Aid at Work (FAAW), Emergency First Response, and pre-hospital care qualifications in FREC Level 4 gained through his ongoing experience. He is also actively involved in internal quality assurance, standardisation, and centre compliance to ensure that all programmes meet awarding-body and regulatory standards.
Originally from Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, Matthew combines military professionalism with a strong values-based leadership style grounded in integrity, accountability, and excellence. His mission at Black Onyx Academy is to raise industry standards, develop capable operatives, and build confident, competent professionals across the security and medical training sectors.
After leaving military service, he built a successful career with organisations including Olive Group and GardaWorld Critical Infrastructure & Government Services. Progressing from Mobile Security Services Team Medic through to Regional Project Manager, he managed complex diplomatic and commercial security contracts worth over £50 million across Iraq. His responsibilities included full operational oversight, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and supporting business growth across multiple regions.
Steve now serves as the Business Development Manager at Black Onyx, playing a central part in international development, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He has helped establish accredited training through Black Onyx Academy, delivered strong case studies, and reshaped corporate marketing, including the full redesign of the company website. Proud to serve in a veteran-led organisation, he contributes to corporate responsibility initiatives alongside his operational work, supporting communities and promoting pathways into meaningful careers.
