Page 27 - the SyI Quarterly 14 Booklet Format

Corporate Social Responsibility

New Lead on the One of our #NextGen activities is engaging with the Ernst & Young Foundation “Secure Futures” programme

that supports young people who face significant barriers to employment. The foundation brings young people
and employers together to close the skills gap between UK business and hidden talent, bringing young people
from diverse and low income backgrounds closer to employers seeking new talent
#NextGen Initiative The benefits of doing so are numerous and far-reaching.

Firstly, investing in young people helps to build a strong foundation for their personal and professional
development. This includes providing them with opportunities for education, skill development and exposure to
new ideas and experiences. When young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence they
need to succeed, they are more likely to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
by Chris Smith CSyP FSyI
Another benefit of investing in young people is that it helps to create a more diverse and inclusive society.
By providing opportunities to young people from all backgrounds, we can help to break down barriers and
promote equality and fairness. This can help to create a more cohesive and harmonious society, where
As a newly co-opted member of The Security everyone has the chance to succeed and reach their goals.
Institutes’ board, I am privileged to lead on one
of our key pillars; the Next Generation in Security Investing in young people also helps to ensure that the UK has a strong and skilled workforce for the future.
programme. We launched the programme in 2018, With an ageing population and changing economic circumstances, it is essential that the country has a pool of
to inspire and attract young people to consider talented and motivated individuals who are able to drive innovation and growth. By investing in education and
careers within the security industry. ‘NextGen’ training programs, we can help to ensure that our young people have the skills they need to succeed in the
has been designed to change perceptions about modern workplace.
the security industry and to showcase the career
opportunities that exist to young people aged 15
to 18 years old, who are considering their career
options. The Institute believes that investing time
and effort in young people in the UK is a crucial
aspect of ensuring a bright future for the country.

Our next generation of security professionals
will have an even greater responsibility for the
protection of our infrastructure. Over the last
20 years we have seen increasing cooperation
between government and the private sector due
to the complexities and breadth of our threat
landscape: This cooperation and interactivity is
very likely to grow. Young security professionals
will need all the learned skills the old guard has
meshed together. The opportunity to network
through early exposure to the various disciplines
of security practice is an essential first step in our
programme.

26 27