Page 64 - Institute Quaterly 5 Final

Chartered Security Professionals

Meet the CSyP

Peter Jones CSyP MSyI
Peter Jones CSyP MSyI
Founder and Managing Director, Third Millennium Systems
Founder and Managing Director, Third Millennium Systems

This time last year I was a relatively new member of the Security Institute
looking to broaden my network and making many new acquaintances.
Among these I met my first Chartered Security Professionals. I was
impressed by their knowledge and their commitment to raising standards
in the industry. It came as quite a surprise when it was suggested that I
apply to join their cadre.

As a highly-specialised practitioner in technical security, I was actually
unsure if I would meet the criteria. How wrong I was! Encouraged by
fellow members of the Security Institute, I submitted myself to the
process.

Filling out the application form turned into an exercise in self-reflection
where I was given pause to consider the wonderful projects I had worked
on and the dedicated people I had worked with over the years. Through
the application form, you are given the opportunity to demonstrate
how you meet the five main criteria that are assessed throughout the application process: knowledge, practice, leadership,
communication and professional commitment.

After many rewrites I submitted my application and waited for the wonderful Di Thomas MSyI to let me down gently. But no, the
invisible assessors (all Chartered Security Professionals themselves) had done their work and decided that I should be summoned
for the “interview” where I presented a portfolio of my work over the last twenty or so years. The interview is one of the most
interesting, challenging and rewarding experiences you will face as a security professional.

I was admitted to the register on March 12th this year and I have pretty much been in lockdown since I returned from the CSyP
dinner. Nevertheless, I have networked with other chartered security professionals online and have had some very interesting
conversations. I look forward to a time when sitting down and having a conversation with like-minded individuals over a drink or a
meal once again becomes the norm.

So, if you think you are ready to be a Chartered Security Professional, or aspire to be one in the future, it is time to stop thinking
and do something about it. If you meet the criteria then you should apply. If you do not meet the criteria then you should develop
a plan to further your career, find a mentor and work toward meeting the criteria. Achieving chartered status is not a destination in
itself, you can always be better at what you do. Working towards your CSyP post-nominals will equip you with a broad set of skills
to sustain your personal development and, hopefully, mentor those that follow you.

64