Here’s the shortlist for the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) annual awards. Winners will be announced by the UK-based association for campus security managers, on Wednesday, April 15, at the AUCSO Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, in the Great Hall at the University of Exeter.
The ceremony forms part of the association’s 2026 annual conference and AGM, from Monday to Wednesday at the University of Exeter. The host is Dan Nicoll, Head of Security (Parking and Transport) Operations at Exeter. This yearโs conference theme is โExcellence Shared โ Value Realisedโ, due to bring together delegates from Higher Education institutions across the British Isles, besides members from Australia, the USA, Qatar and the Continent. The categories are:
Security Officer of the Year
Danny Brewerton, Oxford Brookes University
Josua Crispin, University of Exeter
Donna Storer, University of Warwick
Vicky Laskey, University of Exeter
Awarded to an officer who has consistently demonstrated excellence and professionalism, going ‘above and beyond’ the usual expectations of their role.
Security Team of the Year
Birmingham โ Security Team 1
Brantford Campus Special Constable Service, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
Security Team, University of Plymouth
Oxford Brookes University
Campus Support & Security, University of Liverpool (pictured)
Awarded to a Security Team whose teamwork or response to an incident has required exceptional commitment beyond normal duties, displaying courage, determination and dedication in supporting their campus community.
Security Manager of the Year
Ahmed Mohamed, Oxford Brookes University
Mick Parkes, University of Leicester
Syed Shah, Oxford Brookes University
Tracey McCarthy-Shaw, University of Brighton
Awarded to a manager who has introduced innovations adding measurable value to their institution, positively contributed to the wider security community, reduced security risks and demonstrated consistent leadership across their team.
Initiative of the Year
University of Adelaide
University of Brighton
Oxford Brookes University
Coventry University
Awarded to a security team that has made a unique and innovative initiative delivering tangible value to the security operation and the wider institution.
AUCSO Chief Operating Officer Julie Barker said: โWe are delighted to unveil this yearโs awards shortlist, which represents an impressive range of universities from across the UK and internationally. As in previous years, the competition has been exceptionally strong, with so many outstanding submissions making it a real challenge to determine the shortlist. We very much look forward to celebrating the winners at our 42nd Anniversary Conference this April.โ
