Professional Memberships

As I sit on my train to Moorgate I learn that I'm a creature of habit, same seat, same train, same people, no coffee. But before I got to the train I was riding the bus which I have labelled the asbo express. Whilst on the asbo express and gazing out into a dark world, I got thinking about professionalism in the industry, which in turn is leading me to procrastination of not reading my BCI business continuity guideline 2018!!!

These thoughts at 0600 worried me a little, because, I mean who really thinks of this stuff in the morning.... Unfortunately I do.. So let’s get on to the article.

Professional memberships

The introduction of this idea was spurred on over some comments made by people on one of my previous posts. And as I would like people within the whole of the security industry to know what is available in the way of professional memberships, I would like to mention the big 3.

First in no particular order:

Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCOSP)

This is the security industries very own livery company, and is the 108th livery company in London. It is full of tradition, large gala balls, charitable events and networking. They do some good work in helping the unfortunate and donating profits to charity.

When you join the company and you are a member for two years I believe, it is expected that you become a Freeman of the company and then on to a Liveryman. These all carry different levels of payment or fines as they are known, but in turn have different privileges. Once you are a freeman you can opt to do the whole 'walking sheep over Tower Bridge thing', and it gives people who join a chance give something back to the industry through the charitable events and donations.

Networking opportunities are good within the company also, and they have the Security Benevolent Fund which helps disadvantaged security professionals and have strong links with academia.

In addition, they also have a great young members group for the under 41s. The young members group have an online presence on Linkedin and are welcoming to new faces and organise regular networking events. But you have to be an active member to join the Linkedin YMG Group.

The company have partnered with the Security Institute to create a Chartered Security Professional register which means recognising and maintaining high standards which I will get into below.

Website Link: Worshipful Company of Security Professionals

The Security Institute

You have probably seen people on LinkedIn with the post nominal ASyl, MSyl, FSyl, well these are the membership types of The Security Institute. It started in 2000 and its primary focus is on the professionalisation of the industry and building the largest professional membership body. I personally find the institute more inclusive and weirdly more fun, and the fact you get a nice pin badge when you join is a winner, yes I am easily entertained. Saying this I am currently contributing my time to the Membership Validation Board as well so there is an element of inclusion to be had if that is what you want to do.

The Security Institute have different levels of membership which is governed on experience and courses. You apply either through the standard way to gain a level of membership on your service, course achievements, awards and voluntary contributions or if you have academic qualifications like a Bsc/Msc etc then you can do the accelerated route which is straight in as a member. I have included a link here to the Membership page so we do not get too bogged down with all the ins and outs.

To progress the security industry the Security Institute have the CSyP which is the Chartered Security Professional standard which was issued to the WCSOP by Royal Charter:

Below is a snippet from the website:

"A Royal Charter signed by Her Majesty in 2009 and issued to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals allows the appointment of chartered status for individuals meeting stringent admittance criteria jointly developed by the Security Institute and the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. This register for security professionals is a means of recognising and maintaining the highest possible standards and ongoing proficiency for individuals.

Called the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, a person joining the Register is known as a Chartered Security Professional, and uses CSyP as a post nominal."

Additionally they have a newsletter that goes out and an active young members group headed up by James Sarner MSyl. The CEO is currently Rick Mounfield CSyP FSyL and he is making welcomed modernised changes to the group. This group also runs events for networking to CPD talks and seminars.

Once you have signed up and become known to Paula Stanbridge who is the membership manager, you'll get a login for the website and a funky membership pack where you can delve more deeply into what is on offer.

Website Link: Security Institute Webpage

ASIS UK 

This is the UK chapter of the biggest security fraternity in the world, and represents members at the highest levels and has David Clarke CPP PSP PCI as the UK chairman. They have their own qualifications like the CPP Certified Protection Professional, PSP Physical Security Professional and PCI Professional Certified Invesigator. These courses are highly thought of worldwide but are heavy on US criteria. Saying that, they do broaden your knowledge, ways of thinking and introduce you to new concepts you may not have thought of.

ASIS have produced a set of books called The Protection of Assets (POA) and ASIS Standards and Guidelines which again are peer reviewed, and regarded as the go to books in security.

ASIS run seminars, training days throughout the year, quarterly newsletters and a great magazine called Security Management. This magazine always has worthwhile, especially with the articles and advice. I am currently a member of ASIS UK and you get the magazine when you join, one a month.

There are different levels of membership, Member, Associate, Student and has over 650 UK members and they meet 5 times a year with guest speakers.

Website link: ASIS UK

To summarise:

As a security professional you would benefit in joining a professional body like the above, but the decision to join which one is dependant on what you want out of it. I am a member of all three and they all have their different attractions. To get on, you could really benefit from getting in, and seeing for yourself. The networking opportunities are ample and there are some great people who genuinely want to help you. So take a leap of faith and see where you fit in, and if you want a shiny pin badge and ID card then the Security Institute it is.