Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
THE ASSOCIATION of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the leading organisation for security professionals working in higher and further education around the world, has announced its new chair and vice-chair appointments, both of whom begin their roles this month.
Current vice-chair Oliver Curran (pictured) becomes the new chair of AUCSO to replace long-standing chair Les Allan, who steps down having served as chair for two years and, prior to that, in the role of vice-chair for the same time period.
A member of the AUCSO Executive Committee for some five years now, Curran has served the security industry for close on three decades. Working initially in contract security across the corporate sector, the last 15 years have seen Curran occupy the prominent role of in-house security manager at University College London.
Current Executive Board member Geoff Brown, head of campus safety at the University of York, becomes the new vice-chair of AUCSO. After retiring from the police service, Brown worked in Iraq as a security consultant for oil company Heritage Energy Middle East, duly managing logistics for local, national and expat employees.
Challenging sector
Speaking about his appointment as AUCSO chair, Oliver Curran stated: “I’m looking forward to stepping up to the role of chair. The higher education sector is without doubt a challenging environment in which to operate, but also a very rewarding one. I’m extremely keen and honoured to be working so closely with so many dedicated security professionals and many amazing external partners.”
Curran added: “With Geoff by my side and with the support of the other dedicated members of the Executive Committee, I’m sure we will continue the incredible work Les conducted while serving as chair. Together, we will ensure that AUCSO is fit for the future.”
Commenting on the dual announcement, Julie Barker (AUCSO’s chief operating officer) observed: “We are delighted to welcome Oliver and Geoff to their new roles on the Executive Committee and look forward to working with them, and indeed all of the Executive Committee members, in order to steer the organisation forward. We have no doubt that it will be a fantastic and rewarding experience for both of them.”
