About Savoie Security Associates (SSA)
Vision
To develop a cadre of security professionals and practitioners who are better qualified to manage and lead security programs in the public and private sectors.
Mission
To establish and maintain the Security Professional Certification program by:
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Providing training, leadership and subject matter expertise in security, emergency preparedness and business continuity management
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Certifying security professionals through:
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The Infrastructure Resilience and Research group (IRRG) Certified Security and Resilience Professional (CSARP) Program Carleton University
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The Savoie Security Associates (SSA) Security Training and Education Program (STEP)
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SSA President
Sharon Savoie is a former federal Executive Director with over 28 years of experience and leadership in security, emergency preparedness, and business continuity. She was a Departmental Security Officer in Natural Resources Canada and Health Canada, Deputy Director, Security Operations, Privy Council Office and Executive Director, Security Portfolio, Department of Justice.
In 2004 she established Savoie Security Associates to provide training to the security community, and in 2008 expanded the company to include consultant services.
Sharon is a strong leader with an ability to think strategically, understand and support organizational visions, define realistic objectives and goals, build relationships, and engage teams to work towards more effective and efficient programs that balance the need for due diligence while managing residual risks.
Sharon has a BA in Political Science, and Certificates in Law Enforcement and Management Development from Carleton University.
Savoie Security Associates (SSA)
SSA has an excellent cadre of Associates and Instructors who are former Departmental and Corporate Security Officers, law enforcement officers, and other subject matter experts who remain engaged in the security community.
Associates and instructors have the operational and management knowledge and experience to build integrated security programs and governance frameworks. They have the skills required to design and deliver training that balances policy compliance with practical application.
Associates and instructors are accountable and responsible for the design and development of training materiel and courses they instruct and the advice and guidance they provide to clients.
SSA Evolution in a Changing Security Landscape
The global security environment has undergone profound changes since the terrorist attack on the United States of America on September 11, 2001, and formative events since then, have demonstrated to the world that all countries are vulnerable to attacks. The federal government has responded by building a robust, resilient security community and strengthening departmental security programs to meet evolving domestic and international threats.
Founded in 2004, Savoie Security Associates (SSA) was established to provide specialized security training and to advance the professionalization of security practitioners.
Early on, SSA’s President, Sharon Savoie, who was then the Departmental Security Officer for Natural Resources Canada, led a Certification Task Force in conjunction with the Federal Association of Security Officials (FASO). This initiative confirmed the strong demand for professional security certification and help lay the foundation for the design and development of a security training program that would lead to formal certification.
Since 2008, SSA has partnered with the Infrastructure Resilience and Research group (IRRG), Office of the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University to develop the Certified Security and Resilience Professional (CSARP) Program which supports the growth of a skilled and resilient cadre of security professionals.
The mandatory Departmental Security Plan (DSP) engages senior management and draws attention to due diligence, risk management, and setting priorities and on-going monitoring so that people are protected from harm and assets, sensitive information and systems are protected from compromise.
SSA has continuously evolved to keep pace with these challenges and the broad array of complex threats including but not limited to:
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Economic espionage
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Cyber attacks
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Insider threats
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Terrorism and organized crime
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Workplace violence and employee disgruntlement
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Natural hazards and disasters
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Pandemics
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Public mobilization
Training courses are aligned with the Treasury Board Policy on Government Security and its supporting directives, providing departments and organizations with the tools to manage risks, ensure due diligence and prioritize protective measures. Courses are designed to equip security practitioners to develop and manage security programs that are robust, resilient, well-resourced, and supported by senior management.
SSA courses emphasize an integrated security approach combining physical, information and personnel security with emergency preparedness and business continuity.
SSA Policies
Exam Policy
Participants who do not take the exam at the time of the class can attend the next class at no additional cost but must pay the $500 administrative fee to take the exam.
Payment Policy
Invoices will be issued by SSA in advance of the training. Payments are accepted by cheque, direct deposit, or credit card. Refunds are not available. An alternate from the same organization can attend the class in lieu of the original registrant. (see below)
Course Attendee Replacement Policy
When a registration is confirmed by SSA, and the participant is not available to attend, an alternate from the same organization may attend when the new attendee information is provided to SSA prior to the course date.
Course Attendee Cancellation Policy
Registrants who are unable to attend the course and cannot send an alternate must cancel 10 days in advance of the course or the invoice must be paid.
Course Postponements
SSA will endeavor to ensure courses proceed as scheduled but reserves the right to postpone courses under unforeseen circumstances such as low registration or unavailability of the venue.