AUCSO announces speaker line-up for 42nd Annual Conference

To be run under the theme of ‘Excellence Shared – Value Realised’, this year’s gathering will bring together security leaders, innovators and sector experts from right across the globe to explore the future of campus safety and professional excellence.

The 42^nd AUCSO Annual Conference will be held at the University of Exeter from 13-15 April. Conference is open to all AUCSO members and will be hosted by Dan Nicoll, head of security (parking and transport) operations at the University of Exeter.

Speaking about conference, AUCSO chair Geoff Brown said: “We’re proud to welcome members to the AUCSO Annual Conference. This year’s theme captures our shared ambition: to translate professional excellence into measurable impact. When our community comes together to exchange expertise, experience and insight, we elevate standards, strengthen resilience and generate real value, not just for our own institutions, but also for the higher education sector nationally.”

Brown added: “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.”

Influential speakers 

Conference will be opened by AUCSO’s Patron, Figen Murray OBE, and realises an exceptional line-up of influential and thought-leading speakers.

Taking place at a pivotal moment for the sector, alongside the anticipated release of statutory guidance for Martyn’s Law, the 2026 programme includes a contribution from Laura Gibb, recently appointed as the national lead for Martyn’s Law, thereby ensuring that AUCSO members receive informed and up-to-the-minute detail on the new legislation.

This year’s speaker line-up includes the following practitioners and subject matter:

From Compliance to Culture: Elevating Campus Safety Through Enterprise Risk Management

Jim Moore (senior executive consultant, CriticalArc)

Implementation of Martyn’s Law regulation

Laura Gibb (executive director for Martyn’s Law, Security Industry Authority)

Martyn’s Law Q&A Panel

Laura Gibb, Figen Murray OBE and Nick Aldworth (managing director for counter-terrorism, intelligence and risk, Carlisle Support Services)

Preparing for the Unthinkable: Active Shooter Preparedness at UCLouvain

Benoit Sneessens (security manager, UCLouvain)

Joining the Dots: Building Whole Community Collaboration to Tackle Spiking

Dawn Dines (founder and CEO, Stamp Out Spiking)

Transnational Repression in the UK

Matthew Jones and Matt Lazenby (Counter Terrorism Policing South West)

Martyn’s Law

Shaun Hipgrave (director for national security Protect and Prepare, Home Office)

What Does OfS Condition E6: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Mean for Campus Safety and Security Staff?

Nicola Campbell (head of conduct and respect, University of York) 

Critical Incidents: How to Win the Glitter Ball

Nick Aldworth (managing director for counter-terrorism, intelligence and risk, Carlisle Support Services)

Preventing Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Abuse: A Campus Experience Approach

Sarah Jane Cork (founder and managing director, Milieu Associates)

British Standard for Suicide Prevention

Christine Clark (training facilitator, Merseyside Workplace Training)

S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group: Objectives and Opportunities

Paul Evans (chair, S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group)

2026 will see new suppliers and AUSCO partners supporting conference with a compelling exhibition of products and services. All delegates will be able to visit the exhibition in the times between workshops and talks to network, share ideas and learn.

There’s going to be an Exhibition Opening and Welcome Reception on the Monday evening in The Sanctuary at the University of Exeter, which will be an opportunity to meet suppliers, exhibitors and AUCSO colleagues. The programme for Tuesday includes a networking evening.

Celebrating some incredible achievements across 2025, the black-tie Gala Dinner and Awards will take place on the Wednesday evening at The Great Hall at the University of Exeter. This is when the winners of the AUCSO Awards will be announced.

Vital forum

AUCSO’s chief operating officer Julie Barker commented: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming members, sector colleagues and valued supply chain partners to our 42nd Annual Conference. This year’s programme brings together an exceptional line-up of speakers and thought-provoking topics alongside dedicated opportunities for meaningful networking and collaboration. Conference is a vital forum for reconnecting with peers, building new partnerships and sharing practical insight at a critical time for the sector.”

Barker added: “Last year’s event witnessed a record attendance, and we’re ambitious to exceed those numbers in 2026. A particular highlight of the event will be the Gala Dinner and Awards on Wednesday evening when we will celebrate the outstanding achievements of security teams in 2025 and announce the winners of the 2026 AUCSO Awards. As always, it promises to be an inspiring evening of recognition, reflection and celebration.”

*Further information is available online at www.aucso.org