CSYP – More than just letters after your name

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.