The security industry is undoubtedly on a journey of professionalisation and I was delighted when the Security Chartership Register caught my attention in 2018 and I learnt that the industry was heading in this new direction, especially coming from a family of individuals also Chartered in their various professions.

Fast forward to September 2021 and I received my Chartered Security Professional certificate at the Charter Ceremony from Alex Carlile, Baron Carlile of Berriew, along with 36 other individuals who had all gone through the same rigorous process of self-reflection, in-depth strategic skills analysis and assessment.

Little did I know, the full extent, of the as yet still ‘undercover’ and high performance world I had entered, that of the Chartership community. I personally took over three years from learning about the Chartered Register to completing it, and I blame the lag squarely on ‘pandemic times’.

I’m glad I took my time. I have not lost the feeling of pride in joining the ranks of the few that have also gone through the process, so much so I am happy to share ‘what I learned’, to encourage others to go through the process and apply. It was one of the most testing, and professionally demanding, processes that I have undertaken, including setting up and growing a business, which says something.

Here are my ‘5 unintended consequences of Chartership’:

The Network – Fellow industry professionals who are focused on leading and pushing forward the standards they expect from themselves, and who value continuous professional development, are very much ‘my kind of people’ and I’ve met some brilliant men and women. Being able to reach out to a network of accomplished industry professionals to ask for advice or collaboration has been invaluable. Top tip: always lead with something that you can ‘give’ back rather than just an ‘ask’ when you do reach out for help – even if it is only something like publicly thanking them. In that spirit, a shout out here must go to Natasha Faust CSyP for her support and the words ‘keep going’ when I needed them the most!

The Thought Leadership – As a relative industry outsider (meaning academically, I.e without a Security Management degree) I went the extra miles for my Chartership, writing three dissertations, as is the process for those who didn’t specialise earlier in their career. Turns out each of my dissertations has come in useful. My cyber industry-focused dissertation, in which I cite the incredible Simon Goldsmith, has helped us as a business to articulate the inextricable link between physical and digital risk for our clients. In the ED&I-focused work paper, I referenced the brilliant work being done in the Special Interest Groups and Societies, spearheaded by the likes of the indomitable AnnaLiisa Tampuu.

My Clients – Having added ‘Chartered Security Professional’ to my signature block, I’ve lost count of the number of clients who have asked what this means. The provision of private security to the world of private and family offices and private clients has long existed in the relative shade (hence the name chosen for the business, ‘UMBRA’, the Latin for shadow/shade/protection). It is somewhat separated from the industry that protects it (albeit ironically with some clients living 24/7 with security operators from within that same industry). I have increasingly been having conversations with clients asking about the benefits of a professionalising industry; this would have taken longer to articulate without my Chartership, which has produced deeper client relationships.

The Support – I’ve always recognised the power of ‘paying it forward’ and in helping others who contact me via social media, or at events – and now, increasingly, BECAUSE of noticing my Chartership. I’m now able to give them a full run-down of my experience of the process, and help them to walk through it.

The Future – being one of only a handful of people (and indeed even fewer women) who are Chartered, I feel a huge sense of responsibility towards the next generation. We must underline the benefits of continuous professional development, and by extension the Chartership, to those who are coming through the ranks. It must be something that is available to all and I will continue to champion the benefits of a diversely thinking industry which seeks to navigate and mitigate the risks of today and those unknown risks of tomorrow.

So, if you’ve been thinking about Chartership – don’t delay. And certainly, if you need the

‘Di Thomas nudge’ (her legacy lives on – thank you Di!) and an accountability partner, then you know where I am.

Kate Bright, CSyP, FRSA CEO, UMBRA International Group,

www.umbrainternational.com

Read more insights into the benefits of becoming Chartered Security Professional

Find out how to become a Chartered Security Professional

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Continuing our focus on those working in the frontline security roles, Graham Bassett interviewed Hasan Afzal of Atlas Security, the site security manager responsible for Kew Retail Park in West London and the winner of this year’s Outstanding Security Performance Award for Outstanding Security Officer.

I met Hasan in Costa Coffee – his go-to choice for meetings at Kew Retail Park, which has parking for 600 plus cars. Like many others, this retail park suffers from problems such as shoplifting, drug dealing and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

I establish quite quickly that Hasan is passionate about what he does and his responsibilities ensuring visitors and their vehicles are as safe as possible, as well as deliveries at the sizeable loading bay area at the rear of the park. In support of this, the CCTV system throughout the site is an invaluable aid in doing his job.

Through a combination of patrols and diligent CCTV monitoring, he keeps a very close eye on the visitors entering the park, specifically those whose motives are criminal or anti-social. Over his eight years on the site, he has built up a comprehensive library of information, essentially a ‘rogues gallery’ of known shoplifters and drug dealers, and his work has led to numerous arrests and convictions.

Additionally, he has collated a database of vehicles used for attempted drug dealing in the cark park which he shares with the police – the retail park, is also used by school children on their way home and this ensures they are safe from any approach by drug dealers.

In this way, he has deterred numerous thefts (plus recovered goods) from both vehicles and stores whilst working closely with the local police. During 2018-2021 he recovered more than £130k of goods across 565 separate incidents. He has received many accolades and acknowledgements from the police, retail park stakeholders and local residents (and even made the local paper).

The local police say: “Hasan is by far the most helpful and thorough security guard in the local area and the best I’ve come across in my career with the police. His knowledge, hard work and attention to detail has provided significant evidence in multiple investigations and has supported in the convictions of a number of people. If we had Hasans in every retail park and shopping centre, the world would be a much safer place.”

Although he is the sole security person on site, he has developed a sizeable team of people to help reduce crime in the retail park (plus residents immediately adjacent to the site), including store managers, store security and local resident committees.

Hasan has also established excellent channels of communication with the local residents committee and through this has been able to lobby local MPs for improvements to safety and a more regular police presence in the Park.

In addition, Hasan rallies the cleaning staff on site to be on the lookout for anything suspicious and when needed, to help shoppers that may need assistance in loading their vehicle, something he does when he sees someone struggling.

Recently, he defused a situation where an elderly local resident accidentally scraped another car when parking. Hassan saw this on CCTV and went to assist. The owner (a locally well-known businessman) of this high-end expensive vehicle, which he had only picked up that morning, was making his feelings known. The elderly woman was apologetic and clearly distressed. Hassan calmly defused the situation to the satisfaction of the owner of the high-end vehicle plus he helped the woman over to a seat and got her a drink so she could rest.

Hasan is a Fire Marshall, trained in health and safety, and has completed the ACT online counter terrorism training. He has learnt much from his immediate manager over the years – I get the impression he is a keen learner when it comes to listening to advice and experiences from those more senior.

What piece of advice would he give someone who was going to join the security profession?

“Do it because you want to and want to be the best at what you do. Make a genuine difference, plus learn through empowering yourself (as my manager encouraged me) and, of course, take all the relevant training you can.”

Hasan is not only passionate about his job, he is also a humble person who cares about the welfare of others, including the homeless and vulnerable that frequent the site, whom he helps out with acts of kindness.

I can see why he was nominated and subsequently the winner of this year’s Outstanding Security Performance Awards – the OSPA for ‘Outstanding Security Officer Security’ award. As Nick Clegg, Director at Atlas Security, says: “Hasan is such a great ambassador for us and from our very first meeting, we knew we had a real talent on our hands. The self-motivation, passion, and initiative he brings to the role is infectious and inspiring, but what really stands out for me whenever you meet him, is his beaming smile and how much he genuinely enjoys his job. I jokingly refer to him as Kew’s one-man crime fighting wave and perhaps, we should include a cape as part of his uniform, our very own ‘Atlas Man’!”

Graham Bassett

Editorial Committee

City Security magazine

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In our ongoing series focusing on Chartered Security Professionals, we profile Paul Simmons CSyP who is a seasoned and senior security professional working in Australia. He tells us about his career and about the security sector in Australia.

My life was nearly taken from me a few months after graduating from the police academy in an ambush set up to murder two policemen. Ever since then, I have dedicated my life to the protection of others and to the community in general.

After a twenty-year career in policing, I founded an Australian private security company when I realised my skills and knowledge, along with my philosophy of always providing honest and frank advice, were in high demand in the security industry and was highly valued by clients. I am deeply committed to safety, particularly in the workplace, and can proudly say, that our security company has not experienced a single workplace injury in our 18 years thanks to our extensive planning and faithful execution of our security plans.

One of my first private security roles was back in government, leading the security workforce at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games at Melbourne Park Sporting Precinct. In this role, as the go-between between the police, Australian Army and an 800 strong private security team. I gained valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of the private security industry.

The experience opened my eyes to the need for professional training of security guards. I established a Registered Training Organisation delivering armed and unarmed guard training to 1,100 students per year. I was a founding executive committee member of the Security Trainers Association, which was established to improve the standard of training and assessment materials available nationally, and promote professionalism in the industry.

Volunteering satisfies my innate need to be of service to the community, and it exposes me to the views and beliefs of a very wide cross section of the community from people with mental illness, young people and police veterans suffering from trauma and disadvantage to senior military and industry leaders and professionals.

Having a fuller understanding of the community and the needs of, and challenges faced by, its constituents helps me to be a better leader.

I applied for CSyP to gain recognition of my skills and knowledge as a security professional, and to benefit from a network of experienced, skilled individuals across the globe who are operating at the highest standards.

I hope, in time, that the CSyP recognition gains more recognition in Australia so we may build a strong network of knowledgeable and skilled professionals closer to home for the benefit of the security industry and the wider community.

I first became aware of the CSyP Register after following another security professional on LinkedIn – Tony Ridley, and noted his CSyP post nominal. Being naturally curious, I did some research on the register and realised that it was a good fit with my own career.

The CSyP application process is an opportunity for reflection on your life and career, and it is very beneficial in that regard. To consider what have been the lessons learned as well as the highlights of a worthy career in the security industry is a worthwhile undertaking. Gaining recognition through the award of CSyP status is personally very satisfying. I hope that my clients gain the same level of satisfaction knowing they are dealing with a professional who has been judged by his peers to be operating at the highest levels of security knowledge and capability.

An insight into the security profession in Australia

The Australian security industry is heavily regulated and these regulations vary from place to place, with each state believing they have the best approach to what’s best for the community.

Entry Level – Each Australian state has its own peculiar regulatory requirements for security personnel. Every security activity requires a licence, e.g. security consultant’s licence, and there are multiple subcategories. For example, unarmed security guard, armed security guard, control room operator, crowd controller, and security installer are just some of the activities a licence is required for. You may only offer, or undertake, the security work that you are licensed for.

A security licence must be obtained prior to accepting employment. This presents a significant barrier to entry level applicants interested in joining the security industry as the cost of training and obtaining a licence may be more than $1,000 before they may apply for work. Outside of technical fields such as locksmiths and electricians, there are no opportunities for apprenticeship in the Australian security industry.

It’s even harder for anyone migrating to Australia wishing to work in the security industry. Migrants must wait for 12 months to pass while they are physically present in Australia before they can apply for a security licence.

What’s more, security licences are only valid in the state of issue so a security professional seeking to work in more than one state needs to obtain a licence in each state that they wish to be active in. This requirement can stop security professionals from taking advantage of opportunities that may arise interstate on short notice. It can be prohibitively expensive to maintain a security licence in multiple states.

It’s also a barrier to companies who would otherwise send trained and experienced personnel interstate for major events but they are unable to do so as most of their personnel would not ordinarily hold an interstate licence.

The opportunity to build a security career in Australia is limited due to the small size of our population, 25 million, and the fact that the major security companies rely on subcontractors to provide a significant proportion of their workforce. This means the organisation of most security companies, outside the majors, is flat, with little room for advancement.

Alternative pathways

Former members of the Australian Defence Force and police services have an alternative route into the security industry, often commencing at management level in major security firms or with consultancies. People in these roles also require a security licence, and must undertake the relevant training qualification relevant to that security licence if they wish to provide security consultancy services to clients.

Many people with an entrepreneurial spirit enter the industry with their own security company, as the barriers to entry are low, although regulatory compliance, in terms of cost and time, is more onerous than other industries.

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Dean Haydon QPM, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Metropolitan Police Service and Senior National Co-ordinator (SNC) for Counter Terrorism Policing, retired this summer. We discuss the highlights from his policing career, including his international roles, his approach to leadership and today’s terrorism challenge.

Best job in policing

DAC Dean Haydon retired in July 2022 after 34 years in policing. Although his final role as the UK Head of Counter Terrorism involved a high degree of accountability, risk and being always on call, Dean calls it “the best job in policing”.

His role included lead operational responsibility for delivery of the counter terrorism strategy CONTEST; strategic lead for high threat and high-risk terrorist operations; and lead police advisor to government through COBR in times of crisis. During his leadership, 34 terrorist plots have been disrupted.

Dean said: “It is a huge role: you can mobilise a nationwide network of resources and assets from across the UK, from the police officers in London to those nationwide, with access to 8,000 CT officers. You can support other countries around the world with the resources available. It is a fascinating, challenging and hugely fulfilling job.”

An equivalent role does not exist in most countries. Dean says: “This role enabled me to take command and control of incidents across multiple force areas and this provided clear advantages when terrorists move across force boundaries.”

Throughout his career, counter terrorism has been his passion and Neil Basu (the previous SNC for Counter Terrorism) said: “Dean is one of, if not, the most experienced senior detectives in UK Counter Terrorism and major crime. He brings a wealth of operational and strategic wisdom to the role, which, from personal experience, I know is one of policing’s most demanding.”

Dean’s 34 years of police service have involved many of the most serious, challenging and well-known crimes and terrorist attacks in the UK and globally. For this article, this calm, resilient and popular leader reflected on some of the key moments in his career:

An early start at Hendon

Dean is the first and only police officer in his family. Thirty-four years ago, aged just 17, he arrived in London to attend Hendon as a police cadet, where he had “the best year of his life”, before becoming a police recruit a year later.

His career has spanned the length and breadth of London including his first two years at Wembley, trainee investigator in Harlesden and Kilburn, heading up the robbery and burglary team in Ealing, and roles in Lambeth and Brixton.

Dean always wanted to be a detective and has been in almost every conceivable detective role. He was a detective constable and detective sergeant for a dozen years before advancing his career.  “I wanted to secure a solid grounding and experience at these ranks before going for further promotion.”

Once he began climbing the promotion ladder, he progressed quickly, eventually reaching one of the top jobs in British policing. He says this is down to “a bit of luck, a bit of being at the right place at the right time, but also my own application and effectiveness”. Additionally, he says he always went for promotion when the timing was right for him and he had the experience and credibility to succeed.

Counter Terrorism roles

There is a thread of counter terrorism involvement throughout Dean’s career. This began with him being the first officer on the scene at the Wembley High Street vehicle-borne bomb in May 1990 and two years later, responding to the massive car bomb at Staples Corner.

Alongside his other roles, he trained in Disaster Victim Identification and was part of the team that traced and repatriated the remains of the 67 British people killed in 9/11 – the terrorist attacks in September 2001 in the US.  He led the negotiations to bring home the remains of those who died when Malaysian Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July 2014.

He joined SO13 Anti-Terrorist Branch the same year as the London bombings on 7 July 2005 and 21 July 2005.

Dean was appointed the Commander for SO15 (the Counter Terrorism command of the Metropolitan Police) in 2015. He maintained and led strategic oversight of the five terror attacks on the streets of the UK in 2017 in Westminster, Manchester Arena, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green.  “This was a watershed moment for us and marked a surge in demand on counter terrorism policing which persists today.“

Dean adds: “When an incident occurs and our counter terrorism policing response kicks in,  we see the best of people, everyone works really well together, it is a well-oiled machine and we are envy of the world for this capability.”

On 4 March 2018, he was appointed Senior National Coordinator for the UK’s Counter Terrorism Police network, coincidentally the same day as the  Salisbury attack – where Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal were poisoned with Novichok nerve agent.

An international reach

Dean’s work has taken him all over the world, supporting the response to critical incidents and providing advice and guidance to others where he can. In recognition of this, he has won a number of international awards including the Spanish Police Medal of Honour,  the FBI Director’s Excellence Award and he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal, presented by Her Majesty the Queen in 2018

Dean was President of LINCT – Leaders in Counter Terrorism – also known as the Five Eyes – a global network of counter terrorism leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and the US. He became chair of the executive board on this retirement. And he has worked all round the world on terrorism and related projects.

Roles outside terrorism

Dean was Commander – Head of Homicide, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse, and worked on a number of highly difficult and sensitive long-running investigations including the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the murder of Milly Dowler by Levi Bellfield and the shooting of Mark Duggan. He was also Head of Trident, with pan-London responsibility for tackling gang violence, serious and organised crime, drugs trafficking, and shootings.

Investigating serious police corruption with the Ghost Squad

In the late nineties, Dean was asked to be part of the Ghost Squad – so called because everyone who was part it disappeared overnight from their normal roles – to investigate serious corruption across policing. The Ghost Squad has been the subject of books and in-depth newspaper articles, but at the time, it was highly secretive, involving undercover officers and working with retired military and MI5 personnel. He said: “Although it was a privilege to be asked, it was a shocking experience to uncover the levels of corruption and links to serious and organised crime.  It was uncomfortable at times investigating fellow officers, but in the end extremely satisfying to convict those involved.”

Dean’s approach to his role, career and leadership

Dean encapsulates his approach to his role and leadership into three golden rules: Firstly, work hard – Dean says: “It’s important to build a reputation based on hard work, wanting to be involved and gaining credible experience. This enables you to become resilient and knowledgeable.”

At the same time, Dean believes it’s important to have fun and enjoy what you do – his second golden rule. “Policing work involves some fascinating projects.” He is a demanding leader but wants to create teams and environment where people are happy and enjoy their work.

And, lastly, Dean’s third golden rule is to do it with humility: “Accept that things go wrong sometimes and learn from your mistakes and although you have your own expertise, you don’t know everything. Don’t hang people out to dry if they make mistakes.”

He describes his leadership style as calm, resilient, engaging and consultative, but in times of crisis, he is very comfortable stepping up into command and control mode.

He is collaborative, having regularly liaised with intelligence services, MI5 and MI6, with other forces around the country and with local and national stakeholders such as government, business, industry and local communities.

Current threat from terrorism

We discussed Dean’s views on the current threat from terrorism. He reflected on the most significant change being the shift away from large terror cells with deep roots, towards the self-initiated terrorist. These are individuals who move to violence alone, often inspired by what they see online. They are present across all ideologies, are unpredictable and more difficult to detect. Dean says: “Often, martyrdom is the desired outcome. They do not want to talk or negotiate.”

He went on to highlight that: “The police have over 800 live investigations running at any given time across the UK. The threat to our safety and security is very much real.”

Dean further explained that in response, and in addition to pursuing terrorists and preventing others from becoming violent extremists, the police service carries out daily activities to help increase the protection and security of our people and places.

He said: “This concerted effort, which includes highly visible, covert, armed or technical methods, is aimed at protecting the public from the threat of terrorism. It boosts the security of key sites, making the UK a hostile environment for terrorists to operate in and we can all go about our daily lives.”

The impact of COVID-19

Dean also expressed his concern about how the pandemic has created an environment in the UK in which extremists may find it easier to identify, target and potentially radicalise vulnerable people. “People were isolated during lockdown – some of the supporting organisations were unable to provide the same level of support to vulnerable people and those with mental health issues. It is important that everyone looks out for changes in family and friends, as outlined in the ACT campaign. This can be difficult, but your call will be handled sensitively and it might save lives.” (You can report in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999).

Dean also believes that the challenging world we now live in is changing society: “Lack of rainfall, drought, wars, crop failure, all causing mass migration, movement across borders.

Added to this has been an increase in protest and anti-government feeling and more unruly behaviour generally. All of these can fuel terrorism.”

The best job in the world

Dean Haydon’s career has included some of the most famous and infamous crimes and events from UK policing and crime from the past 34 years, most notably his role in leading the response to terrorism in the UK since 2018.

At the conclusion of our discussions, Dean said: “A lifetime career in policing is tough, challenging and not always an easy place to be with the public or politically. You do see the worst part of society, the vulnerable, death and destruction, but there are many experiences, challenges and fascinating work areas you just don’t get in other job. For me, it has been the best job in the world.”

Andrea Berkoff

Editor, City Security magazine

For more profiles of senior officers in policing and across the security sector, see you category Security Career Profiles.

See our Counter Terrorism category for more information in this area, including our recent update Counter Terror Policing keeping us safe.

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Cyber security consultant

In our ongoing series of profiles on Chartered Security Professionals, we interviewed James Bore, a cyber security consultant:

Can you summarise your career so far, including why you chose cyber security?

It’s a slightly challenging one to answer. When I began my career, the Data Protection Act 1998 was only a couple of years old and I started out providing management for school networks, which meant that the new data protection legislation and the idea of information security was taken seriously.

I often joke that the school where I worked was the perfect environment to learn security. It was massively under-resourced (being a team of two at the time, with no real budget), had a reasonable-sized network (200-odd computers), and a huge pool of motivated attackers constantly trying to find ways around our security (2,000-odd students, and some teachers).

That started me on the technical side of things, and over the years I jumped into different areas of IT, gradually sidling closer and closer to the security side of things and away from the technology side.

There are a couple of people in particular who gave me encouraging kicks at the right time in my career, and really helped shape it, although they may not be aware of this. One was one of my earliest managers, who not only gave me an opportunity to get into virtualisation, but also simultaneously gave me the chance to learn the importance of governance and risk management. Then, almost a decade later, my boss at one of the larger Telcos really kicked things up by introducing me to the importance of people skills, networking, and communication to get things done – lessons that I took to heart and really set my feet on the path I’m still walking now.

A few years ago, I decided to link together my rather eclectic experiences, and went down the route of a part-time MSc in cyber security with Northumbria University. This gave me the opportunity to round off the edges of my knowledge along with picking up some foundational skills to develop further on. Finally, a while after that, I had a good enough relationship with my employer at the time to take a chance, and went fully independent to run my own company just after the start of the pandemic.

As a cyber security consultant, what made you decide to become a Chartered Security Professional?

One of the things that I will preach about given the slightest opportunity is the idea that security is the discipline, the skillset and models we use to look at the world, and cyber is just one of many domains where it can be applied. That’s not to say that the technology doesn’t matter, but the security skills and tools that we develop around risk management, threat modelling, governance, policies and procedures, and everything else that makes up the security world are independent of the cyber side of things.

For years I’ve been attending and speaking at physical and hybrid security events, and becoming a CSyP seemed a much better fit with my view of security than taking a more technology-focused option to professional accreditation. It also sets a high bar for standards, while most of the certifications which exist in the cyber security industry assess competence with multiple choice quizzes. A Royal Charter is a long-established and legally recognised standard for professional achievement.

What difference has it made?

I haven’t been on the Register for long which makes this difficult to assess. At the very least though, it has led to some very positive conversations with clients and colleagues about the role of cyber in security which. given government consultations coming out, seems timely.

How will it help in your next steps?

It gives many of my clients a degree of confidence and reassurance that they are getting the guidance that they are looking for and that I am required to remain current in the field. Given how quickly the cyber security field changes, and how quickly most certifications go in and out of fashion, it’s a mark of competence that stands aside from any vendor certificates or similar.

What guidance would you give others working in cyber security who are thinking of applying?

For those in cyber security in particular, it is a very different process to any professional certification you’ll be used to. There are no multiple choice tests, or courses to cram in order to pass the assessment. I would very much recommend going to one of the application workshops to start out, and speaking with other CSyPs to get their thoughts on ways for you to apply, and the experience you’ll need to demonstrate.

For more information about becoming a Chartered Security Professional please visit www.charteredsecurityprofessional.org

Read more profiles of Chartered Security Professionals

Read more articles on cyber security

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In our regular series of articles spotlighting Chartered Security Professionals, we interviewed Garry Bergin to learn more about his background, career to date and why he decided to become a CSyP.

Tell us about your early career and the people who influenced and supported your progress.

I started my career in the security industry in 1998, working for a large sports retailer, while also moonlighting as a nightclub door supervisor. I was working with some fellow martial artists who impressed upon me the art of communication as a negotiation and de-escalation tool. I rose quickly within the ranks at the retailer and became their Regional Security Manager. In 2009, I began working for security companies. Firstly, as an Operations Manager, managing luxury retail, global data centres and government contracts. Then, In 2011, I moved on to a more senior role within another large security company. The exposure I received to some fantastic people and clients at the PSNI, Ulster Bank and the European Commission copper-fastened my decision to choose the security industry as my career path. 2014 was a major milestone in my career when I joined Manguard Plus as a Commercial Manager and Security Consultant.

How has learning and development played a part in your career?

I developed a huge desire to reinforce my years of experience within the industry with third- level academia. My employers embraced my enthusiasm to learn, and I received massive support in my endeavours.

In 2018 I completed an MSc in Security Management at Portsmouth University. On completing my Master’s Degree, I approached the owner of the company, Sean Hall, with my proposal to undergo a doctorate; within 90 seconds of a conversation, he agreed to fully fund my Professional Doctorate, something I will be eternally grateful for. Blending studies with work is a mammoth task. However, I now work with amazingly talented and experienced people who allow me to grow with the business, which I am happy to say is on a massive upward trajectory.

Why did you decide to become a CSyP?

I have always had a mindset to try to achieve the highest level I can, which is probably why I am still in university at 45 years of age. When dealing with US Data Centres in Ireland, they identify the ASIS CPP qualification as their gold standard. The security industry in the UK and Europe identifies the CSyP as the gold standard in security practice, so I had to try to attain the CSyP standard. The fact that the CSyP is also a peer-reviewed process was a huge attraction to me; you only have to look at the register to see the calibre of my fellow CSyPs.

What difference has it made being accredited as a Chartered Security Professional?

The CSyP has given me enormous credibility within the security industry in Ireland and the UK with my clients. In other professions, the ‘Chartered’ status is identified as the pinnacle of achievement within your industry, so the CSyP has provided that benchmark for the professionalisation of our industry.

How will it help in your next steps?

My next step is to complete my Professional Doctorate at the University of Portsmouth. I am currently entering my third year (of a four-year programme). I believe that the CSyP will add to the ‘contribution to your profession’ element of my viva in 2023, as well as my credibility in the broader security industry.

What guidance would you give others thinking of applying?

The best guidance I can give is to reach out to a CSyP that you know, and they will advise on how to proceed. They are all extremely friendly. Also, take time with the application form, do it over a few weeks, as you only get one chance to submit it. I have to say that the team who process the CSyP applications are probably the most efficient and friendly people I have come across.

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional: Garry Bergin appeared first on City Security Magazine.

John Conaghan CSyP shares his journey to becoming a Chartered Security Professional.

Tell us about your early career

I chose a career in policing because it was aligned with my personal values and I saw it as a role which would challenge me and give me a structured career path, but I didn’t realise when I joined just how much I would enjoy it, or for how long I would be part of it.

I served over 30 years with British Transport Police, based in London, in a variety of uniform and detective roles, concluding my service as Chief Superintendent, Head of Specialist Operations.

Why did you decide to move to the security sector?

I am excited to be taking the next step in my career, as I launch my business and aim to use my skills and experience to help others manage risk. The security sector was a natural fit for my experience which lends itself to managing crime and terrorism risk. I believe I am well-placed to help businesses assess vulnerability and evaluate risk to develop effective plans, processes and training, enabling managers and staff to mitigate risk effectively.

Whilst I believe I have much to offer, I’m also looking to broaden my knowledge base, learning from professionals already established in the sector. My policing experience in the transport sector provides a good backdrop for advising on proportionate security measures in the commercial operating environment but I am conscious of the need to ensure I achieve a smooth transition.

Why did you become a CSyP?

I applied to the register of Chartered Security Professionals for a number of reasons. Firstly, CSyP is recognised as the ‘gold standard’ for security professionals – a select body of experienced, skilled individuals who are operating to the highest standards. Admission is via a stringent selection process, designed to identify high calibre candidates, all of which appealed to my sense of professionalism.

Secondly, the application process highlighted the breadth of my relevant, transferrable skills and provided further validation of the experience I had gained during my policing career.

Thirdly, I always placed high importance on continuing professional development throughout my career and still do. There is a requirement to maintain continuing professional development to remain on the CSyP register, which aligns with my own approach to maintaining professional competence.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, CSyP is a community of highly experienced professionals, from whom I hope to learn and develop. There is a rich vein of information, help and advice available to members to enhance professional knowledge.

What advice would you give others beginning or developing a career in security?

I believe this is a good time to be joining the sector. Businesses continue to face a range of evolving security threats, which call for effective but proportionate measures.

Terrorism remains a key consideration and is likely to be a principal factor in security management for the foreseeable future. The forthcoming ‘Protect’ duty is likely to drive further demand and I am keen to support businesses as they grapple with this new legislation, helping them protect their patrons and employees.

For those considering a move to the security sector, I would say consider your skill set and think about how transferable this is. You may be surprised just how applicable your ‘niche’ experience is to the private security industry. I benefitted greatly from the advice of colleagues who are already well established in the sector, and I’d encourage others to do likewise – well-informed advice is a gift, so accept it when offered!

Find out more about becoming a Chartered Security Professional

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Jamal is part of the Silverseal team working at the prestigious European headquarters of a global organisation based in the City of London, keeping more than four thousand staff (and premises) safe. During his time at Silverseal, he has carried out a variety of roles, including front/back of house security, permit officer, the checking of all third-party contractors, and working in the arts/philanthropy department where he can provide an overview on the history of the exhibits (something he is very knowledgeable and passionate about).

Prior to his security career, Jamal owned two pizza restaurants in London, so quite a change in direction. I asked Jamal about the highlight of his career: “Security has highlighted my awareness for patience, listening and customer skills. This has enabled me to meet various VIPs visiting the building, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and the President of Turkey (Recep Tayyip Erdogan). I have also received various recognition awards from my company, which mean a lot to me.”

We discussed the skills Jamal believes are important in his role: “Customer service is number one: how we engage with our clients and visitors is key – being able to provide the right information at the right time in an approachable, smart and professional manner is vital (along with a smile). Being punctual along with the willingness to learn new skills is important.”

What advice would he give someone looking to enter security? “See it as a career move and have a goal. It is important you know what you want to do and what you want to achieve. Look at your own development and how you believe you could progress, as there are many courses and training opportunities.

“When I first entered security back in 2006, opportunities were limited, but with persistence and a passion to do well, I have been fortunate to go on many courses, including ACT and an NVQ in Customer Service. Our company also has an online learning management platform, which is a great resource.”

I asked Jamal, how he would like to progress in his role: “I like helping others and, along with further training, I’m keen to join the management team and help others develop.”

Jamal is a great ambassador for the security profession. His building security manager,

John Reynolds, says: “It’s an absolute privilege having Jamal on the team. He epitomises everything about Silverseal – loyalty, great customer service and professionalism. Like many of his colleagues, his long service with the company is truly fantastic, and he is very much part of the Silverseal family.”

by Graham Bassett

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In 2013, after 34 years’ combined service in HM Armed Forces and the Metropolitan Police Service, I moved from a successful career at New Scotland Yard as the OCU Commander of the Counter Terrorism Protective Security Command (SO20), into a Group Head of Operational Security and Intelligence role in a multi-national financial institution. One of the many highlights of my police career was as the Senior National Protective Security Liaison Officer (SNPSLO) for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games; I chaired numerous external meetings which involved extensive UK and global interagency collaboration, particularly with US Government, Federal Agencies, Police Forces, and security industry leaders worldwide.

It was during this period of global security industry interaction that I decided that on leaving the police, I wanted to work within the wider security industry and where possible, utilise my previous experience in Criminal Intelligence, Counter Terrorism, and Serious and Organised Crime to transfer my learning into the wider security environment.

Since 2015, I have been the Managing Director of a bespoke risk, threat and security consultancy (6E Consulting Limited) and have travelled the globe working with amazing clients in the music, sporting, motor racing, museum and financial sectors.

I have since joined numerous security associations and met some incredible individuals who were not only experts in their field but willing to share their knowledge, advice, and guidance too numerous to mention.

Through these individuals and memberships, I came to appreciate how important it is to not only be professionally qualified but also to be recognised by one’s peers in this industry.

Last October I attained my Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) status and immediately two things happened. Firstly, it allowed me to meet likeminded strategic leaders, industry peers and key opinion influencers; secondly, it allowed me to volunteer to be a CSyP Panel member in order to give something back to an industry that has provided me with so much over the years.

I have only been a CSyP for a few months but the amount of encouragement, support, and interest in my work I have received has been incredible and I am delighted that I decided to apply to join such an esteemed group of industry champions.

Lastly, I would highly recommend to my security colleagues who feel that they have the requisite skills and experience, to contact the CSyP Team (Vicky and Di) or seek out a CSyP and ask for advice on how to join, the benefits and their reasons for joining.

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Here we profile security officer Simon Cole.

Simon Cole has been working in security for about 10 years following an initial recommendation by a relative.

Today he works with City Security Services looking after a sixteen-floor multi-tenanted building close to Marble Arch. He currently leaves home in East London at 4.45am to get to the building, so he is in plenty of time for the shift change with his colleague and to go through any relevant actions. He used to cycle in but the poor condition of the roads has put a stop to this.

Prior to joining City Security Services, Simon’s first job in security was one that may resonate with images of the past:  a security guard sitting outside a building site with hands warming over a hot brazier! In this case, Simon was looking after an empty building with no heating, electric or running water – using a gas heater, thick coat, hat, and gloves to keep warm (and, of course, a thermos for his tea)!

After that assignment, he was posted as team leader to an MOD site just off the Hampshire Coast, where he was billeted for a year assisting the Armed Forces at a check point. Simon enjoyed his time and said it was very much an eye opener and learning experience, combined with fond memories of a ‘full English’ in the mess!

Simon enjoys his current role: “My position is front of house and it is a joy to help the tenants, visitors, couriers and contractors with their differing needs, whilst ensuring the people and premises are safe and secure and no day is the same.”

He has attended Project Griffin training and subsequently ACT and developed a good understanding about the skills that are important for a security role: “Expect to work hard, learn, be approachable but friendly and firm – it is important to communicate well with people.” He added: “It is an exciting industry to work in and your career can definitely develop. I started off working in an empty cold building and now I am front of house in a prestigious building working for a great company, and who knows where this will take me”.

Head of Operations at City Security Services, James Mortimer says: “Simon is extremely conscientious and his reputation within the business and with the client has grown exponentially since joining the organisation – he is a great ambassador for the business and a credit to us all.”

So, what’s next for Simon: “I would love to gain more knowledge and be better at what I do as a security officer – I’m looking forward to enhancing my skills through further training, which in turn would improve my output and service to the client.”

In the short time I spent with Simon his answer was to be expected – his service-focused attitude and mindset are exemplary. He is one of those ‘diamonds’ working on the frontline – plus a really nice, humble, person who is no doubt going to go places.

Graham Bassett

Editorial Committee, City Security magazine

Read profiles of other security officers in our Security Careers section.

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