Ed Cudmore’s Journey to CSyP: Becoming a Chartered Security Professional
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
