Let’s start at the beginning of my involvement with computing: at school, I was a member of both the maths and chess clubs – the ideal person to be bullied, but for the fact I had a lot of cousins.

Being part of the maths club meant that when we got the first computers in school, I was one of those to start using them. They were the Acorn BBC computers that went along with the BBC series, The Computer Programme and Making the most of the Micro.

Fast forward a few years and after a short stint in the Royal Air Force, I ended up working for Acorn Computers in Cambridge. I got my first internet email address in 1986, so will celebrate using the internet for 40 years next year. Even back then hacking was a thing and I found the concept fascinating. This predated the first Computer Misuse Act of 1990. Not saying I was naughty before then…. I also achieved Bachelor of Computer Science in 1992.

From there I went to an internet service provider, where I started working with firewalls and other aspects of computer security. I installed the first official firewall in GCHQ in 1991. Having realised my potential, I became an independent consultant and soon realised I needed professional qualifications to support my career. During the process of attaining them, I worked for the European Space Agency in Italy and Germany, then General Motors in Belgium.

I got CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) in 2003 when I became a CESG (Communications-Electronics Security Group) Listed Advisor, which started a 13-year run of working as an advisor in government. I got my Master’s degree in Information Security in 2006.  I soon realised that a Royal Charter was respected and something I really needed to aspire to. I got Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) via the BCS (British Computer Society) in 2009, as there was nothing specifically for security. I also studied hard and achieved an array of security qualifications.

I joined the Security Institute with a recommendation and sponsorship from colleagues, and achieved Fellow in 2008. When Chartered Security Professional came along, I applied and was number 23 to be admitted to the Register and the first Cybersecurity practitioner. That was back in March 2012. It was a hard process being the first cyber specialist, as the interviewers had no experience in this area. Most in the Security Institute at that time came from protective security backgrounds. I would like to think I helped expand their view a bit.

So why the Royal Charter? Like other Royal Charters, it’s highly respected, be that Chartered Accountant, Chartered Surveyor or Chartered Engineer. It commands this respect as it’s not easy to achieve and has a stringent peer review process to oversee entry. Chartered Security Professional covers all areas of security, from physical through personnel to cyber. Its key aspect is that it applies to those who operate at a strategic level or have strategic influence in the industry. In many of my consulting roles, my Royal Charters have helped to ensure I am taken seriously and respected as an expert in my field. I have now held CSyP for 13 years.

Since 2016 I have been one of the interviewers for CSyP and enjoy the learning experience I get from the interviews, in addition to giving back to the community and helping others progress in their career. CSyP is the gold standard and ultimate accolade for a security professional. It is therefore important that we keep the standards of entry to the Register high and I am humbled to be part of the process.

I think it’s a great goal to strive for and should be the ultimate accolade for anyone in any area of security.

Eur Ing Andy Smith MSc CEng CITP FBCS CSyP FSyI SMIEEE SIRM CISSP ISSAP ISSMP CCSP CISA CISM CRISC CDPSE

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional: Andy Smith appeared first on City Security Magazine.

 I hope the experiences I share here resonate with those considering a future in the security industry, particularly those with an eye on the Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) pathway.

Whether you’re just starting your career or, like me, taking a leap of faith into a second or even third profession, what truly matters is believing in yourself, because with confidence, determination and sprinkling of good fortune, success will follow.

My career journey

After college, I worked in tourism and farming before joining the Metropolitan Police Service. Harvesting cauliflower in January at the southwestern-most tip of Cornwall was brutal, but it built personal resilience and a sense of cheerfulness, traits that have served me well.

Policing was a 22-year journey where I witnessed both profound kindness but also ruthless bloodshed and violence. Whilst I wouldn’t trade those experiences, policing both made and broke me, leading to the adoption of some rather negative coping mechanisms.

Acknowledging my vulnerabilities, I worked hard to address them. A turning point was working with Simon Jeffries from https://thenaturaledge.com/ who helped me develop stress-resistant coping strategies, whilst acknowledging my personal worth, building a robust mindset, enhancing my physical fitness, mobility, attitudes to sleep, and nutrition. Simon’s guidance profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth for which I am hugely grateful.

Brimming with confidence and motivated to succeed, in 2017 I transitioned into the private sector, joining Amazon Web Services. The transferable skills I developed in policing proved invaluable in facilitating a smooth transition into my current role within Amazon Protective Services.

The role of education, training and qualifications

Although I have established a rich mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge, I firmly believe that a positive mindset, robust coping mechanisms, and the ability to build trusted relationships are often more valuable than titles or professional credentials, but of course there is a balance to be struck. Some of the most talented security professionals I have had the privilege of working with and learning from hold no formal qualifications, yet their expertise and impact are undeniable.

I was an average student, more interested in the outdoors and team sports than academia. It wasn’t until I joined the Metropolitan Police Service that I truly developed a passion for learning. I excelled in my probationary exams, which led to a series of courses, opening doors to specialist crime and operational roles. As I moved into leadership, my curiosity deepened, pushing me to pursue further education.

Disciplined and motivated by curiosity, I pursued a BSc in Policing, followed by a postgraduate Research MSc, a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience.

Pursuing these was a pivotal moment in my professional journey, not just for the knowledge gained but for the supervisors who pushed me beyond my limits. They were tough, and rightly so. Learning to handle constructive criticism, long an Achilles’ heel, became one of my most valuable assets.

After leaving policing, I continued to expand my knowledge, earning qualifications in risk and security management, information security, counterterrorism and more.

Applying for the Register of Chartered Security Professionals

I joined the Security Institute nearly 15 years ago out of curiosity, which sparked six years of research into the private security industry. This groundwork ensured I was well-prepared for a successful transition from policing, I had a plan and executed it.

Along the way, I was fortunate to gain trusted mentors who guided and supported me, and their influence continues to this day. I was determined to justify their belief in me. Earning CSyP status became my ultimate goal, the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a deep passion for an industry I truly believe in. CSyPs now have a well-earned seat at the top table, alongside Chartered Architects and Engineers, influencing decisions across industries such as finance, critical national infrastructure, technology, healthcare, government, and space.

Our role extends beyond traditional security functions; we help shape strategies that drive organisational resilience, foster innovation, and support sustainable growth.

At the heart of our approach is security convergence, seamlessly integrating physical, cyber, and operational security to address an increasingly complex and evolving global threat landscape. Building strong relationships and fostering a robust security culture ensure that stakeholders recognise the true value of effective security.

What sets CSyPs apart is a combination of proven expertise, experience, and ethical practice. We are more than security practitioners, we are business enablers, creating pathways to success. Achieving CSyP status is a milestone I take immense pride in, yet I remain deeply humbled by the journey.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to mentoring others and giving back to the organisations and people that have supported me. Currently, I am guiding two security professionals through the CSyP process, have reviewed numerous applications, and support the register by interviewing CSyP applicants. It is a rigorous but essential assessment of strategic competence, ensuring that your advice and influence contribute to critical decision-making.

My advice?

Go for it. Embrace feedback, take time to reflect, and trust the process — it is designed to bring out the best in you. CSyPs uphold the highest ethical standards. Beyond expertise, it is about integrity, professionalism, mindset, and the commitment to mentoring others.

Find out more here: Applying for the Register of Chartered Security Professionals

The post Ed Cudmore’s Journey to CSyP: Becoming a Chartered Security Professional appeared first on City Security Magazine.

In our ongoing series of articles spotlighting Chartered Security Professionals, we interview Ben Brown CSyP for an insight into his career path and why he chose to apply to the Register.

Q: What has been your career path to becoming a Chartered Security Professional?

A: I didn’t actually plan to become a security professional, it slowly happened over time. I have always worked with large, high-value IT systems for financial organisations, where security is always a requirement.

I started working as an IT support technician, before moving into consultancy roles and then into management. Many of my early roles were based in the City of London at a time when large terrorist attacks were more common than they are now, which helped me develop my risk and incident and disaster management skills.

I’ve worked for many of the largest investment and retail banks in the UK, but one of my most challenging roles was working for Guardian News and Media (publisher of the Guardian and Observer newspapers) as their Head of Systems. This role meant I was responsible for some very high-profile systems as well as ensuring that their move to new offices in King’s Cross went smoothly.

Q: What training and qualifications do you have?

A: Being dyslexic, I really struggled at school, and left with a bunch of reasonable, but not noteworthy, GCSE grades. This allowed me to get into technical college where I studied general engineering, which was a mix of mechanical, electrical and production engineering. Although, at first glance, it bears little relationship to security, I learned a great deal about completing work to industry standards, documentation, minimising waste, following processes and ethical skills which set me in good stead for much of my career. And, of course, an understanding of mechanical systems and electronics has been a huge help when assessing, and trying to defeat, physical and digital security systems.

In addition to academic qualifications, I also hold security qualifications from security vendors, the Certified Ethical Hacker, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional qualifications, which many see as the two certifications which define a cyber security professional.

Q: Are there any key individuals who have mentored or supported you?

A: One of the people who has helped me the most in my career was Richard Norman, CISM, CRISC, CISA, CGEIT, CDPSE, who I had the opportunity to work with at a UK retail bank. Richard is an expert on risk, and he really helped to challenge my understanding of risk, risk management and how risk affects a business.

The other person who has supported me over my career is my wife, Kerry. As a Data Protection professional, she’s constantly keeping me updated on the latest decisions of the Information Commissioner’s Office and advising on the legal requirements that the security controls I specify should meet.

Q: What made you decide to apply for the Register of Chartered Security Professionals?

A: I had been considering it for a while, for a number of reasons. The information and cyber security fields are far less organised than the physical security fields; there is a lot of very poor advice out there, and this had got me thinking about how helpful it would be for security professionals to have an industry-recognised mark of quality to help others identify them.

Although there are several professional bodies which cover IT, cyber and information security, some of which offer their own chartered professional awards, the only scheme which covers security in its entirety is the Chartered Security Professional. This is becoming extremely important as the digital and physical security worlds are converging extremely rapidly, meaning that the traditional divisions are fast becoming less relevant.

Lastly, I like to do outreach by mentoring the next generation of security professionals as well as advising both the financial services industry and public on security matters. Although the CSyP isn’t as well known as it could be in the commercial sector, it’s well known in the public sector and being on the register seemed to be the perfect way of demonstrating that my skills are relevant, current and considered to be at a good standard.

Q: What would you say to others considering applying?

A: I would strongly recommend applying to anyone who is thinking about it. The process is challenging, and it will help you get a good understanding of your skills and weaknesses. If possible, reach out to a CSyP as they’ll be able to give you some helpful advice about the process and what being a CSyP involves. Registering an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Registrar is a fantastic, and risk-free, way of ensuring your skills are where they need to be before committing to the full application process.

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional – Ben Brown CSyP appeared first on City Security Magazine.

On our ongoing series of articles featuring Chartered Security Professionals, we interviewed Charles Curry CSyP, Head of Security at the Home Office, to learn more about his background, training and his career in security.

How did you initially get into the security profession?

I served as an infantry officer for 17 years, and then after a brief foray into banking came back into government as an overseas security adviser for the UK Stabilisation Unit. This gave me a great introduction to security trade-offs for non-standard deployments in high-risk locations, and a privileged view of the great work done by commercial and NGO partners in tricky situations across the world. It was also the perfect mix of Whitehall and work on the ground – I was travelling once a month and have a bunch of stamps in my passport that I wouldn’t otherwise have.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t very compatible with family life, so in the end I settled into more conventional desk jobs, firstly as the head of security for the (then) Department of Business and Energy and more recently for the Home Office.  In the latter role I’ve also been lucky enough to pull together and run the government’s Protective Security Centre, which provides security advice and services across government.

What training and qualifications helped you develop your career?

Lots!  The Army taught me how to think clearly and cut through the complexity of a problem to identify the key essentials (and a little bit about personal resilience and working under pressure).

My time at Barclays gave me the fundamentals of agile programme management and the ability to work through layers of corporate governance – and I still bring elements of my Scrum training there to my current role.  I’d also strongly recommend keeping up more academic studies.

Over the years I’ve studied first for a postgraduate certificate in Conflict & Development and then an MSc in Psychology. They’ve forced me to think broadly, and I think that success in government security is as much about the ability to get things done as it is about specialist security knowledge.

Are there any individuals who have mentored or supported you?

More than I can count!  I’ve learned from everyone I’ve worked with.  I’m particularly grateful to all those who gave up time and energy to help a rather nervous ex-army officer with his transition into civilian life ten years ago; I try and pay that help forward by mentoring others leaving the services and police (and normally learn more from them than they get from me).

What made you decide to apply for the Register of Chartered Security Professionals?

Partly peer pressure from colleagues in government who’d already been through the process and told me that I should too.  But also the opportunity to be part of and learn from an incredible pool of professionals with widely-varying experience.

How has being chartered helped your career?

Possibly too early to say… I was only accepted a few weeks ago!  But it will undoubtedly help me to access best practice and learn from colleagues across industry, academia, and the public sector

What would you say to others considering applying?

Do it!  The application process and interview is a great opportunity to learn from others.

For more information, please visit: www.charteredsecurityprofessional.org

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional Charles Curry appeared first on City Security Magazine.

I  began my security career in a suburban hospital and this helped me to learn the importance of team building, with both the security professionals employed by the facility and stakeholders, including staff and local law enforcement.

This community setting allowed me to interact with those I was helping to protect and although I eventually moved to larger settings where getting to know everyone was nearly impossible, those early experiences helped me “put a face” on those I was responsible for protecting.

I contribute much of my success to the support of my wife, Karen.  She not only endures many weeks alone, she also has a strong knowledge of security and is able to provide valuable feedback.

I have worked at many organisations, and two pivotal ones are: leading the public safety training for Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania and serving as Training and Exercise Chief for the South-eastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force.  Both experiences provided me with my first interactions in a global capacity, working with responders in Canada, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

In 2012, I joined PPL Corporation (one of the top investor-owned utilities in the United States) to develop their business continuity and emergency management strategies. I rose through the ranks to Chief Physical Security Officer.

I am now a consultant at Countermeasures Assessment and Security Experts (CASE).  In this role, I have reviewed security, safety, and emergency plans for a number of transit agencies across the United States, and helped them develop or revise the plans and their associated programs before conducting tabletop exercises. I was part part of a team that completed an assessment and report on on security, safety, and emergency planning capabilities for El Metro de Panama, the first metro rail system in Central America.

It was while on an assignment for CASE that I had the opportunity to interact with a well-respected security professional who introduced me to The Security Institute and suggested I evaluate obtaining the Chartered Security Professional designation.  After conducting research, I agreed with his assessment of the value and prestige of being a CSyP and started the process.

I found the entire process challenging and very rewarding.  The application, specifically the competency demonstration, provides an opportunity to evaluate real-world experiences against standards that are current topics facing the industry, such as sustainability. I like that the chartering process is thorough and requires demonstrated competence in areas that are essential for a security professional.

The interview and presentation, conducted with proven security professionals, is also a strength of the process as it gave me an opportunity to discuss my experiences, yet required me to do so in within a time -limited manner.

The benefit of being a CSyP is not only the credibility it brings, but also the community of professionals that is at its foundation and the wealth of information available through interaction with peers.  Organisations served by a CSyP can be assured that the individual has met a high standard and endured a process that evaluated knowledge, skills, and abilities based on actual work experiences and activities.

Since joining The Security Institute and obtaining chartered status, I have enjoyed the collaboration with peers and look forward to supporting the community however possible, including talking with colleagues here in the United States and recommending the CSyP process. It is incumbent of security professionals to give back to the community and continue to ensure its growth to meet the current and emerging challenges. In doing so, we must also embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability within a profession that has provided great career opportunities.

For more information on becoming a Chartered Security Professional see: Becoming a Chartered Security Professional.

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional   Edward Wurster CSyP, MSyL appeared first on City Security Magazine.

CSYP –

And so, another year as a proud Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) passes, and I can now confidently say that this qualification is a business and personal growth enabler. How can I be so sure it is a determining factor?

CSyPs in their own words

For me in my sector, our private clients scrutinise ways to be holistically secure more carefully than ever before, scouring the planet for expert ‘safe hands’ to give them peace of mind. I’ve lost count of the increasing number of introductions, whether from existing or new clients, through our gatekeeper networks or, of course, via our esteemed advisory village of legal, tax, trust, wealth and investment professionals, who begin with the words ‘Meet Kate and Team UMBRA – she’s a Chartered Security Professional’. It means something to have achieved what 300 others also have, in an industry that is as diverse as it is integral to so much of the fabric of our society.

Word is also reaching a wider audience about the rigors of the process, the collaboration within the Chartered community, and the growth mindset shared by all of us, to make the world a safer place for clients, communities and beyond. Not forgetting the fact that I’ve certainly also benefitted personally from the support, friendship and ‘pay it forward’ mentality of other CSyPs – especially those in the widely varying cross-industry sectors, who are keen not only to refer business, but also to cross-collaborate and signpost to helpful resources and people. This is more than simply letters after your name.

It was during my yearly CPD self-assessment that I decided to put together this piece, to say more about what it means to me to have this professional qualification. The very fact that thought leadership content also counts towards the rigors of keeping your Chartered qualification renewed each year means that I am regularly catching up via high quality articles, white papers, and talks by peers at the cutting edge of their professions.

Others have chosen CPD options such as assessing other applicants on their way in, mentoring new Chartered recruits, and speaking at a variety of events with their Chartered ‘hat’ on.

Following my article last year giving insight into the ‘5 unintended consequences of Security Chartership’, this time I wanted to use the Chartered network to speak for itself on its benefits, and show why anyone thinking about it should definitely join the ranks. When I started asking my fellow Chartered professionals for their insights I was so fascinated by their responses that I hope to be able to share more of these another time. Hopefully, their take on the benefits also puts these in the spotlight for the wider sector and beyond and highlights that the Chartership pathway exists, thus promoting an ever-professionalising industry to the outside world.

Here are some Chartered friends I’ve managed to speak to recently:

 Simon Dilloway BSc(Hons), MSc, CAMS, FSyI, CSyP “Chartered status has given me an automatic gravitas before I meet prospective clients. My work as a Chartered candidate assessor (which counts towards my yearly self-assessment) has brought me into contact with so many outstanding professionals, it is humbling.”

“As a Chartered Security Professional, the recognised and elevated status fosters an ongoing commitment to excellence and expertise in the security field.” Badar Al Mamari CSyP

Carl Dakin QGM MSc CSyP FSyI notes: “Me being Chartered is important to many of my clients because they know I’ve been peer reviewed and that I work hard to remain current. I did have an experience where a client would only commission a CSyP for a particular task at the insistence of the insurance underwriter, which shows how far we’ve come as a community”Why Chartered? Elevate the industry by refining your own professionalism; to professionalise the field, begin with the transformation of yourself.” Stephen Ackroyd CSyP

 “I have found the CSyP ‘family’ to be very supportive towards its members, both with advice and friendship,” says David BaMaung BSc (Hons), MSc HRM, PhD, CSyP, FSyI, CMgr 

Adil Abdel-Hadi MSc, CSyP, FSyI remarks: “This Gold standard in security embodies the elite in the security profession, widens networks and opens new horizons and opportunities.”

Richard Spence MSc MBA CSyP MSyI:   “As a member of HMG Civilian Stabilisation Group, being a CSyP provides me a level of influence and prestige among a cohort of high calibre government advisors. It enhances credibility and is an effective way to demonstrate equivalent competence.”

Brendan McGarrity CSyP FSyI MIExpE MIABTI speaks of the peer recognition affording entry to the Chartered Register, providing industry-wide credibility within their specialist field.

For Richard Stones OBE CSyP,  he has seen the evolution and that “customers now seek competent peer-reviewed professionals who are rightly required to maintain their knowledge through validated CPD – and I have a network of trusted & competent subject matter experts to call upon.”

John Sheeran CSyP, MSc,BA(Hons), CPP, CSMP, FISMI, FSyI:   “It has been the icing on my security management career cake. This gives you credibility and makes you stand out in the crowd”.

Rick Davies CSyP  observes the “recognition by and support of fellow professionals and the esprit de corps that ensues” as being a huge benefit, as well as the ability for “non security leaders and decision makers” to have a “shortcut to recognition”.

“The validation that Chartered status provides is further enhanced by the requirement for continued professional development to maintain it,” says, Simon Causer, BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), CSyP CPD is also mentioned by several colleagues.

Aaron Thatcher CSyP says, “Being a CSyP is recognition by your industry peers, which imbues one with additional confidence in ability, and demonstrates further credibility to your clients”.

Tyne Truong CSyP is emphatic that the “designation has provided me profound insights into security best practices by fellow designees from across The Pond and beyond”. Chartership is truly global!

Brendan McGarrity CSyP FSyI MIExpE MIABTI agrees about the “industry wide credibility” it affords.

 A brilliant collection of insights from some of the industry’s brightest minds.

As always, I’m here for anyone wanting to know more about becoming Chartered, including those interested from outside our high-performance industry to demystify our sector. Of course, for those within it, who may be thinking about becoming Chartered and just need that extra nudge, get in touch. The first step is always the hardest and I’m committed to making it easier for others – as are the Register team.

Fellow CSyPs – do get in touch with any insights as to your own perceptions: we are always looking to connect with brilliant security minds at UMBRA HQ.

Kate Bright CSyP, FRSA

Member of the Security Institute.

The post CSYP – More than just letters after your name appeared first on City Security Magazine.

My career in security started way back in 1986 when I joined the Grenadier Guards. My first posting was to Northern Ireland as part of the security forces.

On reflection, I learnt a great deal about security from those days: from the role of static guards and patrols to searching and intelligence gathering.

I don’t think I consciously chose ‘security’. I chose careers where I could fulfil what I consider to be my purpose in life, which is to make a difference by helping people feel safer. That wasn’t always a conscious decision, but one that on reflection has been the common denominator.

I served for 30 years in the Metropolitan Police, most of which was spent as a detective in the specialist crime arena.

I had a memorable career with several highlights. I spent eight years on murder squads, which included being an original member of Operation Trident and part of the Damilola Taylor murder enquiry, and spent time on the Child Abuse Investigation teams.

Two specific highlights: firstly, being part of the counter terrorism command during the time of the London bombings in 2005. During this period, I was one of two detectives selected to serve on a joint MI5/MI6 team recruiting and running agents deployed in the UK and overseas gathering intelligence.

The second highlight was my final role, which involved setting up and then running a protective security and investigation team in Parliament following the murder of Jo Cox MP. It was during that time that I had the good fortune to be introduced to and mentored on protective intelligence and the indicators of an escalating threat by Dr Robert Fein, who was the originator of the methodology the US Secret Service developed. It was this methodology that enabled me to identify the next attack some months later, preventing the murder of Rosie Cooper MP.

My MSc dissertation in Security Management reviewed this methodology against the attacks on UK MPs since 2000, proving its validity to be used by security managers in the UK.

It is that methodology that forms the basis of the services my consultancy Defuse now delivers. The subject of protective intelligence is one which I am passionate about and want to use my time as a Chartered Security Professional to improve the knowledge and use of it in protective and intelligence services. The advance of its use will improve the quality and reputation of the industry and enhance the ability to protect clients.

One of the highlights of my time as a consultant is the opportunity to have interviewed some of the world’s experts for my podcast. These guests have invariably become both mentors and friends and I feel genuinely blessed to have them in my network.

My personal experience of being part of the commercial security industry is a lack of respect for the professionalism and its quality of expertise. I wanted to have my own credentials tested and challenged to ensure that I was delivering the highest levels of professionalism and to fulfil my desire to enhance the reputation and status of the industry.

I found the process appropriately challenging, although having a MSc in Security Management meant that I was able to complete the standard path. I enjoyed the support of colleagues and friends who had previously successfully completed the process.

The main benefit of being a Chartered Security Professional is the credibility that it provides, together with the support and encouragement of the Chartered community.

I believe that the security industry needs to continually strive to improve the standards, the expertise, and the value of the services that we deliver. I also believe that its diversity is its greatest attribute. That diversity must include younger members and those with more diverse career backgrounds. I’d highly recommend any security professionals that want to be part of a community of peers, striving to raise the standards and lead the industry forward, to to join the Register of Chartered Security Professionals.

The post Focus on a security professional Philip Grindell MSc CSyP CEO & Founder, Defuse appeared first on City Security Magazine.

The progress of the Register of Chartered Security Professionals has continued virtually unabated since its launch in 2011, despite the impact and challenges of a global pandemic, and against the backdrop of a volatile economic landscape.

In 2018, in my then role as Ambassador to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, I wrote a ‘good news’ article about the Register’s progress. Since its launch in 2011, the Register had been growing both in terms of numbers of Registrants, as well as gaining traction and recognition in both the public and private sectors.

There are now over 275 Chartered Security Professionals with sixteen nationalities represented on the Register, and it is fair to say that the Register is now known to the majority of security professionals, as well as to an increasing number of companies and organisations that regularly procure professional security and advisory services.

The Register is also recognised as the ‘Gold Standard’ both in terms of formal recognition, and as a mark of proven professionalism within the security sector and industry. Since its launch, there has been a leap forward in security professionals being viewed on a par with longer established and recognised professions, such as law, accountancy, surveying, medicine, and engineering.

Many readers will recall that the Register of Chartered Security Professionals was established under a Royal Charter issued to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals in the UK and launched in 2011. Registrants use CSyP as a post-nominal and are called Chartered Security Professionals.

Chartered Security Professionals must comply with a Code of Professional Conduct, and complete Continuous Professional Development each year. As strategic thought-leaders in the security sector, they share their knowledge and influence for the benefit of business and public alike.

Qualifications and experience jointly reflect the competencies that an applicant to the Register must be able to demonstrate, together with their strategic impact.

A look at the list of current CSyPs, available on the CSyP page www.charteredsecurityprofessional.org is solid proof not only of the eclectic nature of CSyP Registrants as individuals, but also of the diverse locations of the organisations, businesses, and sectors in which they operate. The steadily increasing number of CSyPs that are based overseas provides welcome evidence of the growing global appeal of the Register.

Over the past eleven years, the steady promotion of the Register has led to further engagement, and recognition from a number of public sector organisations, including vital departments of His Majesty’s Government, such as the National Protective Security Authority, the Ministry of Defence, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Within the private sector, we see increasing numbers of Registrants operating in senior roles in the following sectors: security guarding providers; banking and financial services; transport; pharmaceutical industry; education; health services; and the energy and utilities sectors.

In recent weeks, the oversight and governance body of the Register, namely the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority (CSPRA), has been conducting a review of the application and admittance processes, to identify any areas for improvement.

Conducting such a review is a demonstration of good governance, and I would argue also represents a ‘coming of age’ of the Register, as it shortly enters its thirteenth year of operation. Any material changes in the application process that may arise from the review process will be published accordingly.

In the meantime, another influencing factor that will impact CSyPs, and indeed the private security sector generally, is the advent of ‘Martyn’s Law’, which is officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. Although still currently undergoing Home Office, and ultimately Parliamentary scrutiny, Martyn’s Law will impose a number of mandatory security obligations on the owners and operators of both larger and smaller premises and venues.

The details of Martyn’s Law have already been covered previously in City Security in a range of articles and opinion pieces, but there are number of points in both the Bill itself, as well as in a recent Home Affairs Committee report on the Bill, which are of particular significance for Chartered Security Professionals. Examples of those impactful points include the requirement for regular counter-terrorism risk and vulnerability assessments; operational security plans; counter-terrorism security awareness training for on-site personnel; and the appointment of Designated Security Officers (DSOs). Those Chartered Security Professionals possessing the relevant counter-terrorism experience will no doubt find themselves in increasing demand to provide solutions for the hundreds, if not thousands, of venues that will be mandated by legislation to implement the necessary preventative measures.

There are, of course, plenty of challenges ahead, but the success of the Register thus far is extremely encouraging, and I look forward to seeing many more security professionals gaining recognition, by being admitted to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals.

Mike Bluestone MA, CSyP, FSyI

Register of Chartered Security Professionals and Emeritus Chair of The Security Institute

For more information about becoming a Chartered Security Professional please contact the RCSP Admin Manager at The Security Institute

www.security-institute.org

The post A story of growth & recognition – The Register of Chartered Security Professionals appeared first on City Security Magazine.

Friends often ask me “How long did it take you to gain your CSyP?”

I reply, “22 years” and watch them slowly turn a whiter shade of pale.

I’m not telling them a mistruth or attempting to exaggerate but merely being honest. Now you could draw your own inference into why it took me so long; maybe I wasn’t that good or maybe I was just slow out of the gate. I feel it’s only pertinent then that I justify my answer and give you an insight into this prestigious accreditation that allows a select few to be recognised amongst only 270 worldwide Chartered Security Professionals.

The Register of Chartered Security Professionals has very strict criteria of admission, backed up by a process second to none and finalised by what felt like a cross examination interview Harvey Spectre would have been proud of, so it’s not for the faint hearted. Don’t get me wrong: if an applicant can readily demonstrate they have the experience and required competencies to operate at a strategic or very senior operational level, it’s actually straightforward.

I started my application in July 2022 and was honoured to be accepted in February 2023. Although I have related security qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, in the eyes of the Registration Authority it is not a degree (a discussion to take forward another time). Therefore, my application was not via the Standard Pathway for degree holders but via the Individual Pathway. I was  assigned three essay questions by experts in their field to argue and counter-argue points of relevance on their chosen subject matter. After having to brush up on my Harvard referencing skills and even quoting Elon Musk and Richard Branson, I’m glad to say, I passed.

My interview didn’t exactly go to plan, but thankfully there was a rigorous appeals process which I took full advantage of. After a further 80 minutes of “holding the line” (bringing me back to my police days) they were satisfied with my written supplementary evidence and supporting explanations and my application was approved.

So why did it take me 22 years? I served for nine years in the police, followed by three years at Oxford University in-house security, two years with the government and four years as a Regional Loss Prevention Manager. A further three years as a Technical Security specialist designing new retail store layouts and 14 months as a Director of Technical Security and Consultancy. I was recently voted the current Outstanding Security Performance Awards winner for Outstanding Security Consultant 2023 and a 2023 finalist for the Security Institute Award in honour of George Van Schalkwyk for outstanding contribution to the industry.

Why am I telling you this? I feel like I only just got over the line for my CSyP, and without any piece of my previous experience I may have fallen short.

Is it worth it? Well, I now hold a position of Associate Consultant for a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management consultancy. I have no doubt that my CSyP status was highly significant in me being offered my current role. I highly recommend any security professional operating at a strategic level to seek admission to the Register. The governing body is the Chartered Security Professional Registration Authority (CSPRA). Lord Carlile KC, their first chairman, coined the phrase “Professionals represent the gold standard in security practice” and this is the Register’s strapline.

How is it influencing the industry? Security professionals now have a seat at the top table, comparable to Chartered Accountants, Architects and Chartered Engineers. We can influence and drive decisions across the board and shape the culture and understanding of security from the top. With the long-awaited approval of Martyn’s’ Law, the importance of having a “competent person” to advise on security-related issues has never been so real. In my humble opinion, Chartered Security Professionals are breaking new ground and pioneering new routes to success. I am immensely proud to be among the select few individuals that can call themselves “Chartered Security Professionals”.

Jonathan Eddery CSyP CSMP CTSP MSyI RISC, Associate Consultant Atkinsglobal.com

The post Focus on a Chartered Security Professional Jonathan Eddery appeared first on City Security Magazine.

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

The post Kate Bright CSyP on the benefits of being a Chartered Security Professional appeared first on City Security Magazine.