Finalists announced for AUCSO Annual Awards 2026

With the ‘Best of the Best’ now revealed, the winners will be announced on 15 April at the AUCSO Gala Dinner and Awards, taking place this year in the Great Hall at the University of Exeter. The ceremony forms part of the AUCSO Annual Conference and AGM 2026, which will be held from 13-15 April. The event is being hosted by Dan Nicoll, head of security (parking and transport) operations at the University of Exeter.

This year’s Annual Conference theme, specifically ‘Excellence Shared: Value Realised’, will bring together delegates from higher education institutions across the UK and Ireland, as well as Australia, the USA, Qatar and a strong contingent from Europe.

For their part, the AUCSO Annual Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of university security teams, recognising professionalism, innovation, leadership and dedication across the sector. This year’s shortlisted finalists are as follows:

Security Officer of the Year

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

*Danny Brewerton (Oxford Brookes University)

*Josua Crispin (University of Exeter)

*Donna Storer (University of Warwick)

*Vicky Laskey (University of Exeter

Security Team of the Year

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 the campus community 

*Security Team 1 (University of Birmingham)

*Brantford Campus Special Constable Service (Wilfrid Laurier University)

*Security Team (University of Plymouth)

*Security Team (Oxford Brookes University)

*Campus Support and Security (University of Liverpool)

Security Manager of the Year

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

*Ahmed Mohamed (Oxford Brookes University)

*Mick Parkes (University of Leicester)

*Syed Shah (Oxford Brookes University)

*Tracey McCarthy-Shaw (University of Brighton)

Initiative of the Year

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

*University of Adelaide

*University of Brighton

*Oxford Brookes University

*Coventry University

Commenting on the Annual Awards shortlist, AUCSO’s chief operating officer Julie Barker said: “We are delighted to unveil this year’s awards shortlist, which represents an impressive range of universities from across the UK and internationally. As in previous years, the competition has been exceptionally strong, with so many outstanding submissions making it a real challenge to determine the shortlist. We very much look forward to celebrating the finalists at our 42nd Anniversary Annual Conference.”

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