AUCSO 2026: What University Security Leaders Are Prioritising for Safer Campuses This Year

Published: 02/04/2026   

One of the events we are most looking forward to this year is AUCSO 2026, the Association of University Chief Security Officers Annual Conference, taking place from 13^th – 16^th April 2026 at the University of Exeter. This event is the leading gathering for university and further education security professionals from across the UK, Ireland and internationally, bringing together experts, policymakers and practitioners focused on advancing safety, resilience and operational excellence on campuses.

AUCSO has grown over the last 40 years or so into the primary professional body for campus security leaders, providing a forum to share insights, best practice and emerging trends relevant to higher and further education environments. The Annual Conference is the organisation’s flagship event, featuring an inspiring programme of keynote speakers, specialist workshops, expert panels and networking opportunities; all designed to support the development of safer, smarter and more responsive campus operations.

Security teams in education are increasingly expected to address complex risk landscapes that include student safety, incident response, welfare support and infrastructure protection. The AUCSO 2026 Conference will explore these priorities, drawing together operational leaders and suppliers to debate challenges, showcase technologies, and build professional networks that strengthen security outcomes across the sector.

Over the four days in Exeter, sessions will explore how universities can balance visibility and reassurance with proportionate security, and how technology is being used to support safer, more inclusive campus environments.

Rather than being a purely technical or academic event, AUCSO has a strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration and shared learning. Delegates will hear directly from peers who have implemented new approaches to real-world incident response, welfare-led security models, and multi-agency working, often in complex, high-pressure environments.

The exhibitions and networking events complement this aspect by allowing attendees to explore the tools that support these strategies in practice: from communication systems that enable faster coordination, to technologies that improve accountability and situational awareness.

For example, sessions and discussions will explore the benefits of two way radios in large, multi-building environments where mobile phones can fall short; particularly during incidents that require instant, one-to-many communication. Another important focus this year is the role of visibility and evidence in de-escalation and post-incident review. Delegates will examine the body worn camera purpose within campus security, not just as a recording tool, but as a means of improving staff confidence, supporting proportionate responses, and reinforcing transparency.

AUCSO 2026 will also have structured and informal opportunities to build relationships across the sector. For many delegates, the value of the event lies as much in conversations with fellow security leaders as it does in the formal agenda, sharing challenges, comparing approaches, and learning what has worked elsewhere.

At CSE Crosscom, we understand from experience that robust communication and visibility technologies are instrumental to safer university campuses. From helping universities deploy body worn camera security solutions; which support evidence-led incident reviews and deter anti-social behaviour, to advising on resilient radio systems for frontline teams, we are committed to empowering security professionals through cost-effective and compliant communication tools tailored to the challenges they face on campus.

We are particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with the wider AUCSO community, exchange insights with customers, associates, and old friends, and help showcase how modern situational awareness tools can make a tangible difference in daily operations and crisis responses.