CS P y


More than just letters after your name...


A


nd 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 end-of-year ‘Twixmas’ 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.


© CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2024 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: “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


Carl Dakin 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


www.citysecuritymagazine.com Continued, next page.


transformation of yourself." Stephen Ackroyd


Aiden Anderson was inspired by someone he is mentoring, whose


ambition is to achieve CSyP status and who is undertaking significant professional development,


who says, ‘It delivers peer group recognition and provides a necessary draw for individuals as they professionalise their careers within the security field’


“I have found the CSyP 'family' to be very supportive towards its members, both with advice and friendship,” says David BaMaung


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


Richard Spence: “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 speaks of the peer recognition affording entry to the Chartered Register, providing industry-wide credibility within their specialist field.


For Richard Stones OBE, 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: “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 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, CPD is also mentioned by several colleagues.


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