AUCSO Annual Awards 2026 open for entries

Posted to News on Monday, December 15, 2025 Share:

THE ASSOCIATION of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the leading organisation for security professionals working across the higher and further education sectors worldwide, has announced that entries for its Annual Awards 2026 are now open.

Celebrating excellence across campus security, the AUCSO Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of security officers, managers and teams within member institutions. 2025 witnessed a record number of entries across all categories, reflecting the exceptional work taking place on university and college campuses in the UK and across the globe.

Once again, entry is free and open exclusively to AUCSO members.

Award categories

AUCSO Security Officer of the Year

Recognising an individual officer who has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, commitment and performance, duly going ‘above and beyond’ the expectations of their role.

AUCSO Security Team of the Year

Awarded to a team whose collective response, teamwork or involvement in an incident required them to operate beyond their day-to-day duties, showing courage, resilience and unwavering support for the campus community.

AUCSO Security Manager of the Year

Honouring a manager who has delivered meaningful innovation, contributed positively to the wider security community, driven improvements in risk reduction and shown exemplary leadership.

AUCSO Initiative of the Year

Celebrating a security team that has implemented a unique and innovative initiative to enhance the security operation, benefited students or otherwise added value to the wider institution.

Outstanding work

AUCSO’s chief operating officer Julie Barker explained: “We are delighted to open entries for the AUCSO Annual Awards 2026. Every year, we’re inspired by the outstanding work our members share with us: from exceptional front line service to innovative initiatives that make a real difference to campus communities. The calibre of entries is consistently high. We very much look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of our members across the UK and around the world.”

The deadline for entries is 11 January 2026. Judging will take place week commencing 26 January, with the shortlist announced on 23 February.

Winners will be revealed at the Gala Dinner on the final evening of the AUCSO Annual Conference on 15 April at the University of Exeter.

*For further information and details on how to enter visit https://www.aucso.org/award-applications-2026-open-for-entries/