The Association of University Chief Security Officers, the pioneer organisation for security professionals working in Higher and Further Education around the world, has announced a compelling and exciting line up of speakers for this year’s 41st Annual Conference, alongside the theme of ‘Safe Spaces’.
The 41st AUCSO Annual Conference will be held at the University of Warwick next Monday 7 April to Wednesday 9 April 2025. The Conference is open to all AUCSO members and will be hosted by Mark Kennell, Head of Community Safety & Security at the University of Warwick.
Strengthening security
AUCSO Chair, Oliver Curran, said, “We are delighted to welcome our members to the 2024 AUCSO Conference, where our theme, ‘Safe Spaces,’ highlights the vital role security teams play in fostering inclusive, secure, and supportive environments across our institutions."
"This conference is an opportunity to share best practices, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen the collaborative networks that help us safeguard our communities. I look forward to insightful discussions that will shape the future of campus security and ensure that all students, staff, and visitors feel protected and valued."
Keynote speakers lineup
The Conference will be opened by Professor Emma Flynn, Provost at the University of Warwick and will, open with a keynote speech from Travis Frain and Sohail Ahmed of Resilience in Unity.
Other keynote speeches will be as follows:
- What the future holds. AI: Andrew Tollinton, Institute of Strategic Risk Management/SIRV
This session aims to orientate the higher education CSO with fundamental questions around artificial intelligence. Its focus will be Artificial intelligence use cases for CSO and Emergent risks.
- What is Behavioural Detection: Darren Potts, BOA Training Ltd.
- Who or what are we protecting today?: Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe.
- Martyn’s Law Update, We made it!: Figen Murray, Martyn’s Law Campaigner and
- AUCSO Patron, and Nick Aldworth, Director, Risk to Resolution Ltd.
- Campus Safety and Drink Spiking: A Collaborative Approach: Dawn Dines, Stamp Out Spiking.
Benchmarking insights
There will also be engaging and thought-provoking sessions as follows:
- Perspectives on Protests: Challenges, Risks and Lessons Learnt: Darrell Moss, University of Oxford, Leo Harskamp, Leiden University and Eric Lanxner, University of Brussels.
- AUCSO’s Benchmarking in partnership with ISARR: Julie Barker, Chief Operating Officer and Nick Beale, ISARR.
- AUCSO Emergency Management, Mental Health and Gender Based Violence Specialist Interest Group Update: Alan Cain, Head of Security and Emergency Management, University of Salford, Richard Yeates, University of Sheffield, and Sophie Bimson, UCL.
- NaCTSO Update: Stephen Atkinson, NaCTSO.
- From Campus to Community: Rethinking Safety in Higher Education - Iain Pennell, Sector Leader Higher Education, CriticalArc.
- Expansion Technology & Solutions Integration - Daniel Frith, Sales Director, CSE Crosscom and Nick French, Motorola Solutions.
- The Value of Real-Time Information for Event Security: Gus Hodson, Dataminr.
- Improve Student and Staff Safety with a Smart Campus Experience - Alan Sutherland, University of Surrey and Lewis Pinner, Verkada.
University challenges panel
There will be an Exhibition Opening and Welcome Reception in the Mead Gallery at the University of Warwick
There will also be a panel discussion on University Challenges. And 2025 will see new suppliers and AUSCO partners supporting the Conference again with a compelling exhibition of products and services. All delegates will be able to visit the exhibition in between workshops and talks to network, share, and learn.
There will be an Exhibition Opening and Welcome Reception on the Monday evening in the Mead Gallery at the University of Warwick, which will be an opportunity to meet suppliers, exhibitors and AUCSO colleagues. On the Tuesday evening there will be Networking Evening to be held at The Stables, Stoneleigh, accompanied by an evening of games and entertainment.
Celebrating some incredible achievements across 2024, a glittering Black-Tie Gala Dinner and Awards Evening will take place on the Wednesday evening, at The Slate at the University of Warwick, when the winners of the AUCSO Awards will be announced.
Commenting on the conference
AUCSO Chief Operating Officer, Julie Barker, said:
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming members, visitors and valued supply partners to our 41st Annual Conference, and we are committed to an excellent line up of thought provoking, topical speakers, and the opportunities for networking. It will be an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and share insights. Last year we had a record attendance, and this year we are determined to beat that.”
“A highlight of the event will be the Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on Wednesday night, where we will celebrate the remarkable achievements of security teams in 2024 and announce the winners of the 2025 AUCSO Awards. It’s sure to be an inspiring evening of recognition, networking, and celebration.”
