AUCSO reveals Annual Awards winners for 2026

The Annual Awards were presented on 15 April at the AUCSO Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, held in The Great Hall at the University of Exeter as part of the AUCSO Annual Conference and AGM 2026.

Bringing together sector leaders from across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, the USA and the Middle East, this year’s conference – themed ‘Excellence Shared: Value Realised’ – celebrated the innovation, professionalism and dedication shaping modern campus security.

The Annual Awards honour individuals and teams who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in the last 12 months, demonstrating exceptional leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to keeping campus communities safe.

AUCSO Security Officer of the Year 

Winner: Vicky Laskey (University of Exeter)

Awarded to a security officer who has consistently demonstrated excellence and professionalism, going ‘above and beyond’ the usual expectations of their role.

Vicky Laskey is recognised for her outstanding professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment to student well-being. A trusted and highly visible presence across campus, Laskey has led student engagement initiatives and safety campaigns that help students to feel informed, reassured and supported.

Calm and empathetic under pressure, and wholly committed to continuous development, Laskey consistently goes ‘above and beyond’, in turn setting the benchmark for front line campus security.

AUCSO Security Team of the Year 

Winner: University of Plymouth Security Team

Awarded to a security team whose teamwork or response to an incident has required exceptional commitment beyond normal duties, displaying courage, determination and dedication in supporting its campus community.

The University of Plymouth security team is recognised for extraordinary courage, professionalism and resilience in the most challenging circumstances. In a life-threatening incident, a three-officer night shift responded decisively to a critically injured individual, securing the scene and delivering life-saving First Aid that helped stabilise the casualty before the Emergency Services arrived.

Beyond this, the team has consistently demonstrated compassion, operational excellence and community commitment, supporting vulnerable students, responding to major incidents and embodying the very best of the profession.

AUCSO Security Manager of the Year 

Winner: Ahmed Mohamed (Oxford Brookes University)

Awarded to a security manager who has introduced innovations, duly adding measurable value to their institution, positively contributed towards the wider security community, reduced security risks and demonstrated consistent leadership across their team.

Ahmed Mohamed is recognised for exceptional leadership and innovation, delivering transformative impact both within Oxford Brookes University and across the wider security community.

Through digital reporting systems, data-led operations and modernised training, Mohamed has enhanced the effectiveness and professionalism of his security service. His work to improve student safety and strengthen external partnerships has increased confidence and reduced risk, while in parallel fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture.

AUCSO Initiative of the Year 

Winner: Coventry University Protection Service

Awarded to a security team that has implemented a unique and innovative initiative delivering tangible value to both the security operation and the wider institution.

Coventry University’s Protection Service is recognised for a high-impact, student-focused safety programme that places well-being, engagement and crime prevention at the heart of campus life.

Through twice-weekly roadshows across campus and accommodation, the team has created a visible and accessible platform for student support, working in partnership with local police and Police Community Support Officers to deliver practical and real-world safety advice. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on engagement bring key initiatives to life, thereby ensuring that imparted messages resonate with students.

The results are compelling: SafeZone registrations have increased by 40%, while alerts have risen by 90% year-on-year, in turn reflecting stronger awareness, trust and student confidence.

By combining innovation, partnership working and measurable impact, Coventry University’s Protection Service has set a benchmark for excellence in student engagement and campus safety.

Best of the profession 

Julie Barker, Chief Operating Officer at AUCSO, said: “These awards recognise the very best of our profession - individuals and teams who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, innovation and leadership in protecting their campus communities.

This year’s winners are outstanding examples of the professionalism and dedication that define our sector, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements at our 42nd Anniversary Conference.”

The AUCSO Annual Awards continue to highlight the critical role of security professionals in Higher Education, showcasing best practice and setting benchmarks for excellence across the international community.

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