The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the leading organisation for security professionals working in higher and further education around the world, praised its members for “outstanding achievements across the year” when it announced the winners of its Annual Awards 2023. Recognised for their exceptional work were:

• Mark Neary, Manchester Metropolitan University, Security Officer of the Year, who was praised by the judges for his “immense bravery” in tackling aggressive persons who were in the process of robbing a retail outlet on campus.

• Adrian Dennehy, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Security Manager of the Year, who the judges said “had worked tirelessly to introduce and embed innovative working practice into the Campus Protection Services team whilst raising the profile and importance of Security within the Higher Education sector”.

• The D Team – Colchester, University of Essex, Security Team of the Year, which the judges said “showed bravery when dealing with a serious incident in a student accommodation block (which holds 200 students)”.

Commenting on the winners, says: AUCSO Chair Oliver Curran said: “We had some truly inspirational nominations across a challenging year for university security teams. The entries demonstrate the range of risks and challenges that our security teams face on a daily basis, as well as the incredibly professional personnel that continually keep their communities safe with their innovative approaches.” AUCSO Chief Operating Officer, Julie Barker, added: “All of the shortlisted entries were very worthy winners showing consistently high levels of professionalism, integrity, dedication, and passion, and they are all a credit to their profession.”