The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) has launched its Benchmarking Report 2025. It’s the first study of security operations across higher education institutions in the UK and internationally from the UK-based body for security managers in Higher and Further Education. The report was compiled with ISARR, a risk, resilience and security management software firm with a long-standing relationship with AUCSO.
The report draws on member institutions across the UK, Ireland, and international higher education, on how the sector is adapting to evolving challenges. The document points to seven critical trends shaping higher education security:
- Rapid professionalisation of university security functions, with formal qualifications, structured career pathways, and specialist roles emerging.
- A shift “beyond guarding” towards integrated welfare and wellbeing responsibilities, with security teams often acting as frontline responders to mental health and safeguarding issues.
- Growing adoption and integration of advanced security technologies, from body-worn video and digital incident recording to enhanced CCTV.
- Persistent workforce challenges, including limited gender diversity (female representation averaging just five per cent) and reliance on traditional security backgrounds.
- Strong focus on emergency preparedness, terrorism awareness, and proactive risk management.
- Clear correlation between institutional size and complexity of security operations.
- Widespread adoption of sector standards such as 24-7 provision, control rooms, and formal external partnerships.
What they say
Figen Murray OBE, Patron of AUCSO, welcomed the report. She said: “This comprehensive study provides very useful data for security leaders across higher education institutions both in the UK and abroad. Security leaders will have the information needed to inform their decisions and help with their strategic planning when discussing security across their sites. In today’s volatile geopolitical environment, it is vital that higher education institutions examine their security provision through fresh eyes and ensure solid plans and strategies are in place to respond to unforeseen threats. This benchmarking report is a vital tool in supporting that preparedness.”
Julie Barker, Chief Operating Officer of AUCSO, said: “This report marks an important milestone for our sector. For the first time, higher education security leaders can benchmark their operations against a robust international dataset. The insights will enable institutions to make evidence-based decisions, strengthen resilience, and shape security strategies that are proportionate, professional, and responsive to the needs of their campus communities. We are proud to deliver a resource that will directly support our members in enhancing safety, wellbeing, and preparedness across universities worldwide.”
And Nick Beale, Founder and CEO of ISARR said: “ISARR is delighted to be partnering with AUCSO on this important and influential project. This detailed analysis of the Higher Education Security landscape is both timely and significant. In order for AUCSO to influence the development of its member institutions it needs to measure and understand the output, pressures and changing demand on security provision. ISARR’s cutting edge technology, including the use of AI for real time analysis, is helping AUCSO and member institutions understand and react to changing demand and pressure. We believe this project will be a game change that enables universities to better protect people, assets and reputation.”
The September edition of Professional Security Magazine features an interview with the chair of AUCSO, Geoff Brown, head of community safety and campus security at the University of Leeds, pictured.
