I became a Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) earlier this year and attended the September CSyP conference, where we discussed attracting future talent, covering off diversity and representation. However, I sat there it was hard not to acknowledge when looking around the room, that never mind the future generations- what about the diversity of the CSyP now: this isn’t having to sell a misunderstood industry to people- we have amazing people in the industry now. Where’s the diversity? Where are the women?
Last night I hosted the first Women’s CSyP event, we will work on a catchy title for the group at some point! The aim was to have a group consisting of accredited CSyPs to explain their experiences and, what the CSyP means to them. People who are ready to start thinking about taking on the application, who want practical hints on the process and others starting out in the industry to get a good networking opportunity, but also to help them start to think about their own pathway and how they can work on this journey to CSyP and the “Gold Standard” that it represents.
We were lucky enough to have 2 of the original CSyPs from 10 years ago, Mike O’Neill and Emma Shaw. Emma came straight from the ASIS event, where she was just awarded the Mervyn David award, well deserved for her contribution to the profession. Emma and Mike provided an insight into what has changed in the industry in the last 10 years and how standards have improved. Mike also shared his experiences as a CSyP mentor and Interviewer, providing useful information on the process.
I was interested in looking at why we thought there were so few women CSyPs, when there are so many incredible female practitioners out there. We talked about the need for people to understand more about the CSyP and what it means. We discussed the importance of representation at senior levels and that the profession deserves the respect that a Chartered accountant, engineer gets. We discussed the integrity aspect of the accreditation, making this more than just getting a qualification, but really shows to employers, peers and senior managers outside of the Security Profession that a CSyP is the total package.
The CSyPs within the group talked of getting support from their network with the application and, that not going it alone was a key part of our success. We also discussed creating a “buddy“ system, someone to push and support the applicant and that this may stop the form sitting half completed in a drawer for a year or two (as mine certainly did). We also talked about seeing the CSyP as a journey: for some they may not be ready and that to see this as reaching an important milestone in the journey, not something that should be off putting, or meaning they have “failed”. The process isn’t easy for a reason, this is the Gold Standard and it should test and challenge all applicants.
There was a lot of discussion, passion about how the Security Profession is offering opportunities like CSyP and what we need to do to change perceptions and professionalise the industry, all in an inspiration setting with images of incredible, brave and amazing women surrounding us and I hope everyone found it as valuable an experience as I did. As there was an appetite to continue with these events, I am looking at holding some more similar events, if you have ideas or want to get more involved, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]
A big thank you to the event sponsors: Esoteric, Optimal Risk Group Ltd and Netcompany, for the venue and food and drinks and Thanks to Martina and Victoria at The Security Institute for helping me organise.
