AUCSO issues landmark Benchmarking Report 2025

*Photograph: University of Cambridge

The report has been compiled in partnership with ISARR, the bespoke risk, resilience and security management provider that boasts a long-standing relationship with AUCSO.

In an increasingly complex risk environment, universities face rising pressures to protect students, staff, research assets and communities. Until now, security leaders have lacked comparative data to evaluate their operations effectively against those of their peers. The AUCSO Benchmarking Report fills that gap, providing robust sector-wide insights into structures, staffing, technology and strategic approaches.

The report draws on contributions from institutions across the UK, Ireland and the international higher education sector, in turn offering “unprecedented visibility” into how the sector is adapting in the face of evolving challenges.

Critical trends

Key findings reveal seven critical trends shaping the future of higher education sector security:

*Rapid professionalisation of university security functions, with formal qualifications, structured career pathways and specialist roles emerging

*A shift ‘beyond security guarding’ towards integrated welfare and well-being responsibilities, with security teams often acting as front line responders dealing with mental health and safeguarding issues

*Growing adoption and integration of advanced security technologies, from body-worn video cameras and digital incident recording to enhanced CCTV

*Persistent workforce challenges, including limited gender diversity (with female representation averaging just 5%) and a reliance on traditional security backgrounds

*Strong focus on emergency preparedness, terrorism awareness, as well as proactive risk management

*Clear correlation between institutional size and complexity of security operations

*Widespread adoption of sector standards including 24/7 provision, Control Rooms and formal external partnerships

Useful data

Figen Murray OBE, patron of AUCSO, has welcomed the report. “This comprehensive study provides very useful data for security leaders across higher education institutions both in the UK and abroad,” said Murray. “Security leaders will have the information needed to inform their decisions and help with their strategic planning when discussing security across their sites.”

Murray added: “In today’s volatile geopolitical environment, it’s 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 at AUCSO, commented: “This report marks an important milestone for our sector. For the first time, higher education sector 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.”

Barker concluded: “We are proud to deliver a resource that will directly support our members in enhancing safety, well-being and preparedness across universities worldwide.”

Nick Beale, founder and CEO of ISARR, observed: “ISARR is delighted to be partnering with AUCSO on this important and influential project. The detailed analysis of the higher education sector security landscape is both timely and significant. In order for AUCSO to influence the development of its member institutions, the organisation needs to measure and understand the output, pressures and changing demands on security provision.”

Beale added: “ISARR’s cutting-edge technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence 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-changer that enables universities to better protect people, assets and reputations.” 

Strategic implications

The findings highlight the transformation of university security from traditional security guarding services into a strategic and multi-faceted service. The report urges institutions to develop professional frameworks to address both skills and diversity gaps, create technology integration roadmaps and avoid siloed procurement, implement targeted recruitment and inclusion strategies and strengthen information-sharing and collaborative partnerships across the sector.

Technology is identified as a major force-multiplier, with near-universal CCTV, the widespread adoption of digital incident recording and rapid growth in body-worn video technology. Larger institutions are shown to be investing in broader and more specialised training portfolios, duly reflecting greater operational complexity.

The report urges targeted recruitment and inclusion strategies to build more representative and community-focused teams. Finally, the findings emphasise the importance of systematic strategic planning and collaboration, from aligning performance metrics with well-being outcomes through to strengthening partnerships with the police, local authorities and the Emergency Services.

Next steps

The Benchmarking Report 2025 will be updated and enriched as AUCSO continues to collect and analyse operational performance data, thereby ensuring that members can access the most relevant and up-to-date insights.

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