The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) has announced its line up of speakers for its 41st Annual Conference, at the University of Warwick from Monday to Wednesday, April 7 to 9. The Conference is open to all AUCSO members and will be hosted by Mark Kennell, Head of Community Safety & Security at Warwick.
AUCSO chair Ollie Curran, head of security at University College London (UCL) will be handing over to the next chair, current vice-chair Geoff Brown. Ollie 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.”
The conference will be opened by Professor Emma Flynn, Provost at Warwick. Travis Frain and Sohail Ahmed of Resilience in Unity will give a keynote speech. Then will follow:
What the future holds. AI: Andrew Tollinton, Institute of Strategic Risk Management/SIRV: a session for the higher education CSO (chief security officer) with questions around artificial intelligence, and emergent risks.
What is Behavioural Detection: Darren Potts, BOA Training Ltd.
Who or what are we protecting?: 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.
Other sessions will include:
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 (SIG) 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, of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office.
From Campus to Community: Rethinking Safety in Higher Education – Iain Pennell, Sector Leader Higher Education, CriticalArc.
Expansion Technology and 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.
A panel discussion will cover ‘University Challenges, A Unified Front: Collaborating across sectors to create safer universities’.
The evenings
An Exhibition Opening and Welcome Reception on the Monday evening in the Mead Gallery at Warwick will be an opportunity to meet suppliers, exhibitors and AUCSO colleagues. On the Tuesday evening a Networking Evening will run at The Stables, Stoneleigh, besides games and entertainment. A Black Tie Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on the Wednesday evening, at The Slate at the University of Warwick, will be the occasion for the announcing of the winners of the annual AUCSO Awards.
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.”
Photo courtesy of AUCSO: the Easter 2024 conference at Liverpool; pictured centre is David Manfield of Cardiff University.
