The Security Institute launches webinars and online resources amid COVID-19 pandemic

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in unprecedented social change and uncertainty. For its part, the security industry has been presented with a unique set of challenges that make it particularly hard for security professionals to undertake networking and career/professional development at this time. To help members and the wider security community to adapt and ensure they're prepared for success during and after the crisis, The Security Institute has introduced a range of different resources available via its website as well as digital events.

First, a series of weekly webinars has been launched. Leveraging the vast knowledge of corporate partners and members, a diverse range of topics will be presented in half-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops and shorter webinar presentations. These events can be booked via The Security Institute's website (https://security-institute.org/) and the smart phone app, with new webinars being announced continually.

All webinars will be presented live with interactive features that allow attendees to ask questions, ensuring that everyone can gain an in-depth understanding of the topic under discussion. Each event will also be recorded such that members can download and watch all webinars at their convenience.

For the immediate future, Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) Application Workshops will be delivered live to small groups via webinars. These workshops can be booked on a first come, first served basis. As is the case with the physical workshops, participating groups will be kept to a small cohort to allow individual development. The next such event is planned for 7 May 2020.

These free-to-attend webinars afford an opportunity to participate in the Institute’s CPD scheme on a emote basis. Attending a webinar will quality for two formal CPD points for each hour of learning. All attendees will be sent a certificate of attendance to support their future 2020 CPD submission.

COVID-19 Remote Working Pack

Also in response to the current situation, the COVID-19 Remote Working Pack has been designed and embedded within The Security Institute’s professional development platform. It has a range of resources for those working from home, helping them to adjust, considering wellness and workspace in order to achieve the same levels of productivity. The resources address the challenges of working remotely as a team, coping with a changing work environment, maintaining a healthy mindset and also a host of other issues that working from home can present.

The COVID-19 Remote Working Pack, along with thousands of self-assessments, articles and advice can be found in the resource library within the professional development platform available to members via the secure area of the website and on the smart phone app.

Speaking on the subject of professional development, The Security Institute's CEO Rick Mounfield CSyP FSyI stated: “During these challenging times, it's paramount that we continue to understand emerging threats and how our community is collectively mitigating them. Being well-informed and well-connected as a security professional in a community such as that fostered by the Institute has never been more important. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback following our first webinar which was attended by over 60 people. This illustrates to me that digital learning using technology and remote platforms is the 'new normal' and one that will resonate after this crisis is over. We will continue with a programme of web-based learning from now on.”

Mounfield added: “At its core, the Institute is a community of security professionals. In times of hardship, communities support each another. In the past month, Institute members have each contributed thought leadership to international, national and local security initiatives. The've shared their problems and successes for the benefit of others and the impact is being felt across Government, business and, indeed, the wider society. I encourage anyone wanting to contribute to our efforts to contact either myself or a member of the Institute's engagement team.”