Welcome to AUCSO

AUCSO emerged as a formal Association in 1984 following several years of informal meetings between security managers and like-minded colleagues from the southern Universities. The group quickly expanded to include northern region Universities and later Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In 2009 it was agreed to include colleagues from European Universities. AUCSO provides a forum for its members to exchange knowledge and to keep up to date with crime trends, legislation and other information related to security services. Members can provide advice to each other either by the email list, by arranging visits or at regional meetings. They are also invited to attend and address the annual conference held at different Universities within the UK and Ireland each Spring.

Membership of AUCSO is aimed at those persons responsible for security and related services within Universities, Colleges and Institutions of Higher Education in the UK and Europe. Currently, 114 Universities and HE Colleges or Institutions are members of AUCSO. A list of members is available on the membership page

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - A Chair, Vice Chair and one member from each of its seven regions are elected to run AUCSO on behalf of it's members. They are supported by the AUCSO Chief Operating Officer (COO), a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Press Officer. The Executive arranges conferences, regional meetings, monitor changes to legislation, promote good practice and liaise with government agencies and other professional groups and organisations. Several sub-committees monitor specific issues such as security technology, training and development for security staff in Universities. For more details about the association please contact your nearest regional representative, or see Constitution and Rules

POLICE LIAISON - AUCSO have various links at national levels and with local Police forces. Please ask one of the Executive Committee if you need further or specific information. There is also a Police Association of Higher Education Liaison Officers (PAHELO) for Police Officers who work on HE campuses. They have their own meetings and annual conference. Please click here for more details.

INTERNATIONAL- In 1996 some of our European colleagues were invited to attend a UK conference and this gave start a year later, to the 'European Association of Campus Security' (EACS). In 2009 EACS members requested membership of AUCSO and this was agreed at the 2009 AGM. We welcome out European colleagues and hope we all benefit from this close association. Please click here for more information about EACS.

The American based 'International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators' (IACLEA) includes an International Region which provides worldwide links for colleagues in campus security. Please click here to visit their website.