DW Associates founder David Ward attains Chartered Security Professional status

The Register of Chartered Security Professionals was established in 2011 under a Royal Charter issued to The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and is managed by The Security Institute.

Chartered status is extremely hard to achieve and involves individuals undergoing a rigorous application process whereby their strategic impact and competencies in five distinct areas of security are evaluated and verified.

The interview selection process also involves providing written papers and evidence of ten years’ worth of professionalism within the industry.

Registrants use the CSyP post-nominal and are referenced as Chartered Security Professionals. Each registrant must comply with a Code of Conduct and is required to annually undertake Continuing Professional Development.

Developing strong links

David Ward began his career over 25 years ago and has worked at every level of the security industry. In 2000, he founded Ward Security, a company which – under his astute direction – grew to become one of the leading security businesses operating in the UK.

When he left his CEO role in 2021, the business had attained a turnover of £45 million and was employing upwards of 1,000 trained personnel.

Ward is passionate about the security industry and developing strong links between law enforcement agencies, local and national Government and private sector businesses. He created the City Security Council and is also chair of the Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications initiative across the South East region.

Looking towards self-development

Commenting on the attainment of CSyP status, Ward said: “I’m extremely proud to have attained Chartered status. I have always firmly believed in committing to being the very best I can be whatever the role I hold or the profession within which it resides. No matter where they are on the career ladder, I would encourage anyone to constantly look towards self-development and consider working towards Chartered status.”

Importantly, Ward added: “As someone who’s not an academic and never went to university, I was a little concerned about the requirement to write essays, but I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed that aspect of the process. The reward at the end of the process is well worth the effort involved.”

*Further information on the Register of Chartered Security Professionals is available online at www.charteredsecurityprofessional.org

Senior Evolution director awarded Fellowship of The Security Institute

Brendan McGarrity, director of Evolution Risk and Design, has been appointed as a Fellow of The Security Institute, the UK’s largest membership body for security professionals.

McGarrity’s appointment, confirmed by industry peers on The Security Institute’s Validation Board, reflects the importance that Evolution places on Continuing Professional Development at all levels of the business and delivering the highest levels of strategic and professional advice.

Richard Lambert, managing director of Evolution, commented: “Brendan is to be congratulated on this achievement, which is a highly valued one in our industry. Since joining Evolution almost five years ago, he has continually demonstrated notably high levels of security knowledge, practical application, communication, leadership and personal commitment to our industry, our business and our clients.”

Mark Hirst (area sales manager) and Kevin Stephenson (operational risk advisor) have both been awarded member status by the Institute, while design engineer Gary Payne has become an associate.

Membership of The Security Institute demonstrates an individual’s competence and credibility as a security professional and their commitment to the industry. Different tiers of membership reflect an individual’s related qualifications and training, their experience and engagement with the wider security community.

McGarrity joined Evolution in 2018 and was appointed director of its Risk and Design business last year. He began his career in the security sector back in 2011 after enjoying a successful 25-year career in the Royal Air Force.