Today, many businesses have international offices and employees. In parallel, ASIS International is a true global networking player. It has worldwide coverage in 54 countries spread across the continents from America, Russia to China and all countries inbetween, with (potentially) 37,000-plus networking partnerships to be tapped into by the discerning practitioner.
Very few people will dispute the premise that networking with like-minded professionals forms a key part of developing our skills base, knowledge and academic qualifications. Sharing our experiences with others, particularly professionals who work within different silos and countries, helps us to truly develop as fully-qualified, ’rounded’ individuals.
Networking with other similar-minded security professionals allows you to share experiences and ideas and to improve your industry-related knowledge. Networking involves interacting with others – this can be achieved at formal or informal forums, workshops and/or chapter meetings. It can also be achieved through attending exhibitions, lectures and debates, even participating in surveys or research.
At a time when tight controls on budgets force us to be selective in choosing our networking partnerships, you need to consider organisations and events that are able to combine industry-leading and educational events where you are able to network with a global community covering all spectres of the security arena.
Event-based networking group
If you cannot spare the time to attend functions and events, you may decide to focus on joining a virtual network hosted on the Internet. However, if you enjoy face-to-face interaction, meeting new people and building mutually beneficial relationships then you should chose an event-based networking group.
For an individual security professional working in isolation, being part of a large networking organisation provides a readily accessible library of security advice, reference and knowledge.
Through ASIS, many of our members have found the support they have received from their colleagues abroad immeasurable and have gone on to forge long-term personal friendships experiencing different perspectives from other markets and countries, which is essential in today’s global age.
ASIS International is the largest organisation advancing the security profession worldwide, with 37,000 members and 204 chapters across the globe. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programmes and producing reference materials that address broad security interests.
Internationally-accredited certification programmes
ASIS administers three internationally-accredited certification programmes. The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) indicates Board certification in security management, and is widely recognised as the highest designation that can be accorded to a security practitioner. Two specialty certifications are available: the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) and the Physical Security Professional (PSP).
Being certified allows individuals to demonstrate knowledge and skills, gain instant professional credibility and certification and differentiate themselves from others while enhancing personal and professional development.
The ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines is the promulgating body within the organisation aimed at developing security management standards and guidelines. The Commission works with numerous national and international standard-setting organisations (including the BSI) to advance security practices worldwide through the development of standards and guidelines within a voluntary, non-proprietary and consensus-based process using the knowledge, experience and expertise of ASIS membership and the security industry.
The ASIS International Foundation enhances the security profession worldwide by enabling leading-edge programmes through the awarding of scholarships. This ensures that those pursuing a career in security management are able to realise the highest academic achievements.
Education for the discerning practitioner
ASIS International’s UK Chapter is seen to be world-leading not only in terms of security education and certification programme delivery but also in relation to the number of members we have certified and those educated to degree and master level.
ASIS International – and, in particular, the UK Chapter 208 – is, in my opinion, the ‘must belong’ educational and networking organisation for security professionals in the UK.
Visit our website (there’s a dedicated link on the right hand panel of this page) and make sure you’re involved.
Mike Alexander is head of business security and safety at Henderson Global Investors and chairman of ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208