It feels good to be amongst the first 10 to be admitted to a new body. Isn’t it? But be careful, we are not talking first 11, so are not talking football here, please, but security! No wonder, Don Randall MBE, Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals last week (7th June 2011) was full of boundless enthusiasm while announcing the first ten Registrants admitted to the new Register of Chartered Security Professionals.
He was speaking in his capacity as the outgoing Master at the Company’s Installation Lunch held at Drapers Hall in the City of London, attended by 265 liverymen, freemen and guests.
Vigilance remembers that twelve months ago as the incoming Master, Don spoke of the challenge that lay ahead in researching and developing a Register, as detailed in the Company’s Royal Charter which was granted in February 2010. The Register itself endorses the main aim of the Company, which is “to promote, support and encourage standards of excellence, integrity and honourable practice in conducting the profession of security practitioners and to aid societies and other organizations connected to such profession.”
“Experience,” it is said , “is the best teacher,” hence in recognising the Security Institute’s experience in developing and refining its own membership validation process, in 2010 the Company agreed to partner with the Institute in developing the chartered professional competencies, management controls and processes, and for the Institute to be the first licensee permitted to admit Registrants into the Register. This development was funded jointly between the Company, the Institute and the City of London Crime Prevention Association, who remain a key supporter of the Register in its inaugural year.
Speaking at the lunch about this partnership, Don Randall disclosed: “The close co-operation and commitment of key individuals in both organisations has enabled us to create a dynamic Register inside twelve months. This included comprehensive research, and extensive consultation within the Company and Institute, and with many external organisations and individuals. Acute attention to detail has been given to every aspect of development, giving Chartered status the highest credibility and standing for individuals in the security sector. The pilot scheme proved popular, and we look forward to providing this enhanced level of credibility to future applicants, allowing them to build on their individual career profiles.”
Certificates of admittance were presented to the Registrants in attendance, who were Bill Wyllie, Mark Lindsay, Mike Bluestone, David Gill, Chris Northy-Baker, Emma Shaw, Mike O’Neill and Kevin Blythe. Registrants unable to attend were Angus Darroch-Warren and Jerry Woods. A member of the Register (the Registrant), known as a Chartered Security Professional, uses CSyP as a post nominal.
After receiving his certificate, Mike Bluestone, CSyP and Chairman of the Security Institute, said: “This is a ground breaking day not just for security professionals, but also for the United Kingdom. At long last we have a Chartered Security qualification that places security practitioners on a par with other recognised professions. I am immensely proud of the fantastic co-operation that has taken place over many months between the Security Institute and the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. Our two organisations have come together for the betterment of professional security practice in our country, and I congratulate my fellow Registrants on attaining their hard earned CSyP status.”
The incoming Master of the Worshipful Company, Nigel Churton MBE, is also Company Secretary of the Security Institute, and served on its Board of Directors for many years. He is fully supportive of the Register and the recognition of professionalism in the security sector.
Chartered Security Professionals’ Registration Authority
In establishing the Register, a committee has been established to set and maintain the standards of professional competence required, and to provide an over-arching management role of all elements of the Register. The chairman of the Chartered Security Professionals’ Registration Authority (CSPRA) is Lord Carlile of Berriew, QC, who is committed to the enhanced level of professionalism the new Register will bring to the sector.
Lord Carlile enthused: "I am delighted that we have produced a registration process as good as any for other professions. Our Chartered security professionals can truly be regarded as members of a quality and regulated body. This is the beginning of a major new organisation, in which industry and the wider public can have full confidence"
