After a record number of entries across all award categories, the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) hailed the winners of its 2025 Annual Awards during its annual conference at the University of Warwick last week, at a dinner at The Slate on the final evening of the three-day event. The were:
Security Officer of the Year: Peter Goddard, University of Exeter
Highly Commended: Tom Meridith, University of Staffordshire
This award recognises an security professional whose dedication, technical expertise, and enthusiasm have made an impact on the security team and the wider university community. Judges were told that as a subject matter expert in CCTV and SafeZone, Peter has enhanced operational capabilities through innovation and initiative. Peter’s approachable nature and proactive engagement have greatly enriched the student experience, while his role as a training instructor has extended his influence on staff, students, and the local community. A true role model, Peter continuously go above and beyond, inspiring colleagues and setting a high benchmark for professionalism and excellence in campus safety.
Security Team of the Year: Oxford Brookes University
Highly Commended: Northumbria Security Team
This award celebrates a team whose commitment to safety, crime prevention, and professionalism have made an impact on their university. By organising over 120 awareness events on topics such as personal safety, online scams, and violence against women, launching a 24/7 helpline and online reporting tools, and building relationships with students and staff, the team at Oxford Brookes have enhanced campus safety and trust. The team’s courageous and coordinated response to a serious firearm threat demonstrated composure and collaboration under pressure, ensuring the safety of all without disruption. Their partnership work with Thames Valley Police, Oxford City Council, and local charities was recognised with a 2024 National Acquisitive Crime Reduction Award for Exceptional Team.
Security Managers of the Year: Lorna Wallington, University of York; and Russell Wardle, Edinburgh Napier University
This year’s award recognises not one, but two. Lorna began her career in the department in an administrative role, where she played a pivotal role in professionalising operations. She introduced systematic auditing and training improvements, raised the team’s profile, and became the lead for the SafeZone safety app. Lorna also identified strategic opportunities for further development, including rebranding the department’s uniform, fleet, and name to better reflect its evolving identity.
As manager of the control room team, Lorna led on a range of high-profile events, collaborating with multiple agencies to ensure coordination and safety. Her leadership and vision earned her a promotion to head of campus safety, where she has already made an impact, transforming the approach to protest management and student recruitment, and championing initiatives that have led to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Russell played a key role in Edinburgh Napier use of the SafeZone app, focusing on modernising the university’s approach to safety and delivering a more efficient system for providing support to staff and students. This not only enhanced campus safety but delivered cost savings. At a time when resources were under strain, Russell introduced meaningful improvements to student safeguarding. His initiatives helped reduce the risk of crime and ensured that survivors of incidents felt supported and reassured, with instant assistance available whenever needed.
Initiative of the Year: Community Safety Team and Others, University of Birmingham
Highly Commended: Julie Susel, University of Reading
This award recognises an initiative that exemplifies effective partnership working between the university and local police to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Through a dedicated six-month secondment, the team embedded themselves within the university community, forging collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Guild of Students. Their engagement led to the development of awareness-raising activities, such as the Welcome Week VAWG marquee, and involvement in the Guild’s ‘Not On’ campaign. By building trust and opening new communication channels, the initiative increased student confidence in university and police efforts to address VAWG. The team’s support within the Safe and Well Partnership and the Report and Support platform has been instrumental in guiding victims and staff through police procedures, enhancing the overall response to incidents and reinforcing a culture of safety and support.
The Bill Blythe Award went to Adrian Dennehy, of Cardiff Metropolitan University, pictured centre (pictured second from left is Martyn’s Law campaigner and Aucso patron Figen Murray). It’s named after the first recognised Chair of AUCSO who worked at the University of Liverpool. This award is in recognition of Adrian’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to AUCSO and the wider Higher Education security community. With experience gained from his military background and academic achievements, Adrian brought a strategic, forward-thinking approach to campus safety and student wellbeing.
Since joining the association, he has taken on numerous voluntary roles; from Welsh Regional Chair to business leads on car parking, criminal exploitation, and benchmarking. His efforts have shaped national conversations, supported member institutions, and strengthened AUCSO’s presence both online and across regions. Stepping up where needed, including managing social media, briefing politicians, and ensuring financial accountability as a trustee, Adrian has left a lasting legacy. His absence from the Executive having stepped down, is deeply felt. He was Security Manager of the Year in the 2023 awards.
AUCSO’s outgoing chair, Oliver Curran, pictured second from right, said: “We’ve received some truly outstanding nominations from University Security Teams, both across the UK and internationally. Each submission highlights the diverse risks and challenges these teams face daily, as well as the exceptional professionalism and innovation they bring to keeping their communities safe. The shortlisted entries exemplify unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion. Every one of them would have been a worthy winner, and they stand as a true credit to our profession.”
AUCSO Chief Operating Officer, Julie Barker, pictured left, added: “The Awards Gala Dinner is always a highlight of our year – a truly special evening where we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members. As Ollie mentioned, every nomination was deserving of recognition, and we hold deep respect for the outstanding actions and impact of our winners. Their exceptional dedication to the sector continues to inspire us all.”
