We want to see the professionalisation of the security industry
To truly achieve this, perhaps we need to reflect upon what this really means.
To become a recognised profession, the security industry must
undertake several key steps:
Establishing Unified Education and Qualification Standards
One of the primary hallmarks of a profession is specialised education. To professionalise security, the industry must establish a unified, standardised pathway for education and qualifications. Currently, multiple certifications exist within the industry (e.g., SIA licenses, Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) designation, and ASIS certifications), but these are not always coordinated, and no single pathway exists. This presents an opportunity develop a roadmap for people entering the profession from school or transferring across from other careers. This roadmap should
include:
• Accredited Professional Qualifications: Certifications should be
standardised and widely recognised across the industry, similar to
how accountants are required to obtain specific qualifications like
ACA or ACCA.
• Degree Programs in Security: Universities should offer more
degree programs focused specifically on different security
specialisms; in addition to cyber security, and risk management,
perhaps it is time for pathways for other specialisations such as
personnel and technical security.
By developing clear education pathways, the industry will ensure that all security professionals meet the same high standards before entering the field.
Creating a Central Professional Body
Professionalisation requires oversight from a central regulatory body, which could be modelled on organisations like the GMC for doctors or the SRA for solicitors. This body would be responsible for:
• Licensing Security Professionals: Similar to the medical
profession, security professionals would need to be licensed by the regulatory body, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and standards.
• Setting and Enforcing Ethical Standards: The body would
oversee a code of ethics, holding professionals accountable for
their actions and maintaining public trust.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Like other professions,
security professionals would be required to engage in continuous
learning, ensuring they stay updated on the latest threats,
technologies, and practices.
We currently have a myriad of industry groups in the UK, each with
their own merits. Perhaps a centralised body would unify the industry, setting clear standards and creating a cohesive identity for security professionals.
Introducing Legislation for Professional Recognition
As the profession matures, new legislation would be needed to formalise the security profession, similar to the Medical Act or the Solicitors Act. This legislation would:
• Create Legal Definitions of Security Professionals: Establish
clear definitions for different roles within the security industry,
providing legal recognition of the profession.
• Mandate Qualifications and Licenses: Ensure that individuals
cannot practice security without obtaining the necessary
qualifications and licenses, protecting the public and ensuring high
standards.
• Establish a Disciplinary Framework: Provide a legal basis for
disciplinary action against professionals who violate ethical or
professional standards.
This legislative framework would provide a solid foundation for the
security profession, ensuring that it is recognised and respected in the same way that other essential professions are. A wide variety of
opinions exist as to what the final state of Martyn’s Law will look like, which may mean that it is not the appropriate vehicle for the this journey, but it is certainly indicative of the ongoing maturation of the security industry.
What It Means to Be a Recognised Profession
Achieving professional status would fundamentally change the way security is perceived, both by the public and by those working within the industry. Being recognised as a profession means more than just regulation—it involves creating a sense of identity, pride, and accountability for those in the field. This development would have a number of other effects.
• Public Perception and Trust: When security is recognised as a profession, the public will begin to see security professionals as experts who are entrusted with protecting lives, much like doctors or lawyers. This enhanced perception would help attract more skilled individuals to the field and raise the overall quality of
service across the industry.
• Higher Standards and Competence: Formal recognition would raise the bar for entering the security industry, ensuring that only highly trained and qualified individuals are able to practice. This would increase the overall competence of the industry and
reduce the risk of harm caused by unqualified personnel.
• A Unified Voice: By establishing a central body and a cohesive set of standards, security professionals would gain a unified voice, capable of advocating for the industry’s needs and engaging with policymakers to shape future legislation and regulation.
• Path Forward for Security as a Profession: The road to professionalising the security industry in the UK requires a
concerted effort from both industry leaders and policymakers. By
establishing unified education standards, creating a central regulatory body, and introducing new legislation, security can achieve the professional status it deserves. We have taken some steps forward, but there is a need for various groups across the industry, academia and government to collaborate towards achieving this change.
As threats to safety and security continue to evolve, society will
increasingly rely on skilled security professionals to protect individuals, organisations, and critical infrastructure. By recognising security as a profession, we can ensure that these professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Paul Wood CSyP FSyl
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