Two experienced inspectors working for The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have secured the coveted Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) qualification - the ‘Gold Standard’ of the security industry.
Lee Garner and Gareth Allsopp are among a small group globally to be awarded the honour, with only 237 people in the world having achieved it.
Now part of the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, which was launched in 2011, the ONR employees have proved they represent the highest standards within their field.
Successful applicants need to be able to demonstrate they have worked consistently at a strategic level, operating in leadership roles and driving change.
Able to use CSyP as post nominal letters after their name, Lee and Gareth will visit The House of Lords in September to be officially presented with the honour.
Becoming a Chartered Security Professional is a rare achievement, with only 237 granted across the globe so far, since it was introduced 10 years ago.
Holders must comply with a Code of Conduct, a professional disciplinary code, and complete continued professional development each year.
A spokeswoman for The Security Institute said: "We are pleased to welcome two fantastic security professionals from the Office of Nuclear Regulation, Gareth and Lee are among only 237 security professionals that represent the Gold Standard in security."
A peer of the realm in charge of the charter will issue the certificates to Lee and Gareth, who will also be given a silk tie and lapel badge.
To qualify, entrants must complete a 90-minute interview and deliver a 15-minute presentation, evidencing five competencies - security knowledge, practical application, communication, leadership and personal commitment.
The qualification is managed by the Security Institute and overseen by the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority (CSPRA).
It is offered by The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals of the City of London, a non-profit making organisation providing education and health services to members of the security profession.
Lee, a transport security Inspector within ONR's CNSS division, regulates the UK's 11 Class B carriers of nuclear material, and has been with the independent UK regulator for the past three years.
A former police officer, he has worked in security for the last 30 years and his past roles in both the public and private sector have taken him to the Middle East, New Zealand and America.
The 54-year-old, from Frodsham, Cheshire, who secured the qualification last month, said: "I'm proud to become a Chartered Security Professional. It means something to colleagues in the industry.
"About 30 years ago, when I started out in security, there was nothing around like the recognised professional levels there are now, so the industry has come a long way."
Gareth, 41, from Chorley, Lancashire, is one of the youngest to secure the qualification, and achieved the honour in May, last year.
He works in ONR's CNSS division as an inspector, focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANTs).
His other role is working in the Sabotage and Target Analysis and Review (STAR) team which studies emerging technologies and their suitability for the UK, including assessment area work and looking at key areas of protection at facilities.
Gareth said: "For me, it’s less of a personal endeavour and more one for the department.
"Security is growing and changing, and so it’s always good to have security inspectors recognised for what we do."
- The Civil Nuclear Security and Safeguards (CNSS) division within ONR is responsible for approving security arrangements within the civil nuclear industry.
We enforce compliance to prevent the theft or sabotage of nuclear or other radioactive materials, the sabotage of nuclear facilities, taking into account the full spectrum of protective measures, including physical protection, personnel security, cyber security and information assurance.