Page 18 - the SyI Quarterly V3 digital (1)

Know your Institute

ISSIG

Setting up the Inclusive Security SIG (ISSIG) is an important step to mark the work ahead for the Institute to explore how inclusion
in security can lead to innovation in our broader field of security, and how we can bring about change together. Diversity and
inclusion are not only one of the key vehicles for innovation, but they also bring a competitive advantage. Diversity of knowledge
and experience fosters diversity of ideas, creates a variety of perspectives and leads to the growth of the talent pool. Lack of
diversity in an organisation, or in a sector more broadly, can limit innovation and adaptation to the evolving marketplace.

This has relevance to security in numerous ways, from better engagement with clients and employees at the front line to increased
boardroom innovation and to enhanced processes. It also encourages organisations to ‘think outside the box’ and bring about
positive disruption. If the security risks of employees are to be effectively managed when they travel or work from home, it is
essential that security practices are inclusive not divisive. To better achieve the understanding required to create inclusive security
practices, security professionals need to reflect the diversity of those we serve.

For a sector that is often judged according to its poorest practices, and seen as under-regulated and under-professionalised,
addressing diversity and inclusion can help us to, as a sector, tackle image problems and be taken more seriously by stakeholders
that are further along the diversity and inclusion journey, including both clients and those we want to attract to the sector.

The ISSIG aims to explore and understand how engagement with all groups of society will pave the way to innovation and how
inclusivity can lead to enhanced practises in the broader field of security. The group will foster a variety of perspectives, for
increased productivity, creativity and diversity of the talent pool.

• Diversity: refers to the make-up of the workforce and highlights efforts to ensure that staff from a variety of backgrounds and
with a variety of personal characteristics are employed across all levels of the organisation.

• Inclusion: ensuring that all groups (including minority groups) have equal positions and voices to those of their fellow
colleagues within the organisation.

Thus, this SIG aims to change the face of the field of security and risk management by fostering more opportunities for all groups
of society to access and thrive within the industry.