Insights from the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) Conference at the University of Exeter
In April 2026, the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) brought together security leaders from across the UK higher education sector in Exeter. The conference remains a key forum for discussions around campus security, student safety, and counter terrorism preparedness.
This year’s agenda focused heavily on Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) alongside broader challenges in student welfare, early intervention, and personal safety technology.
Martyn’s Law and Universities: Preparing for the Protect Duty
Martyn’s Law dominated conversations at AUCSO 2026. The legislation will require universities to strengthen their counter terrorism preparedness and protective security measures, yet many institutions are still working with incomplete guidance.
Security leaders are facing a difficult balance. They must prepare for compliance while the final regulatory framework is still evolving.
Sessions featuring Laura Gibb (Security Industry Authority), Figen Murray, and Home Office representatives reinforced how central universities are to the UK’s protective security landscape.
For institutions, early preparation is critical. This includes:
- Strengthening risk assessment and threat planning
- Expanding staff training and awareness
- Investing in scalable security systems
Universities that take action now will be better positioned to meet Martyn’s Law compliance requirements within expected timelines.
Early Intervention in University Security
A key theme across AUCSO was the shift toward early intervention and prevention.
Security and welfare teams are increasingly focused on identifying risks earlier and acting before situations escalate. This reflects a broader move toward proactive, intelligence led campus security.
Rather than relying solely on incident response, universities are building systems that support earlier visibility of potential issues. In practice, this means:
- Identifying behavioural or situational warning signs sooner
- Sharing insights across security and welfare teams
Technology is playing a central role in enabling this shift, particularly tools that support real time reporting and discreet escalation.
Student Safety Risks: Spiking, Sexual Misconduct, and Safeguarding
The conference also addressed ongoing challenges in student safety and safeguarding.
Sessions covered issues such as drink spiking, harassment, and gender based violence, all of which require coordinated responses across multiple stakeholders.
A session led by Stamp Out Spiking highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, local venues, police, and healthcare services. At the same time, discussions around OfS Condition E6 clarified expectations for how institutions manage sexual misconduct and harassment compliance.
These topics underline a significant shift in university security. It now includes:
- Stronger safeguarding frameworks and reporting processes
- Greater focus on prevention and student support
Campus safety is increasingly defined by how effectively institutions respond to and prevent harm across the entire student experience.
Personal Safety Technology for Students
As student life extends beyond campus, universities are investing in personal safety technology that supports students wherever they are.
Students expect tools that are easy to use and accessible in real world situations. This includes mobile reporting, discreet alerts, and direct connections to university security teams.
Adoption is growing because institutions recognise that student safety cannot be confined to physical campus boundaries.
The Future of University Security: AUCSO Insights
AUCSO 2026 highlighted a sector adapting to both regulatory pressure and evolving risks.
University security leaders are balancing Martyn’s Law readiness, safeguarding responsibilities, and limited resources, while also pushing toward more modern, integrated approaches.
Across the conference, several priorities stood out:
- Greater emphasis on prevention over response
- Stronger collaboration across departments and external partners
- Increased investment in technology and intelligence led security
The direction of travel is clear. University security in the UK is becoming more proactive, connected, and student focused.
Speak to Us About Martyn’s Law and Campus Safety
We were proud to take part in AUCSO 2026 and engage with security leaders across the sector.
If you are preparing for Martyn’s Law, strengthening your campus security strategy, or exploring early intervention and personal safety solutions, we would welcome a conversation.
