The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), has launched its Benchmarking Report 2025.
The AUCSO has articulated that this is the first comprehensive study of security operations across higher education institutions in the UK and internationally.
The company has articulated that the report was compiled in partnership with ISARR.
In an increasingly complex risk environment, universities face rising pressures to protect students, staff, research assets and communities.
Until now, security leaders have reportedly lacked comparative data to evaluate their operations effectively against their peers.
The AUCSO Benchmarking Report is said to fill that gap, providing robust sector-wide insights into structures, staffing, technology, and strategic approaches.
The report, according to the companies, draws on contributions from institutions across the UK, Ireland and international higher education, offering unprecedented visibility into how the sector is adapting to evolving challenges.
Key findings reveal seven critical trends shaping the future of higher education security:
Figen Murray OBE, Patron of AUCSO said: “This comprehensive study provides very useful data for security leaders across higher education institutions both in the UK and abroad.
“Security leaders will have the information needed to inform their decisions and help with their strategic planning when discussing security across their sites.”
“In today’s volatile geopolitical environment, it is 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, AUCSO, said: “This report marks an important milestone for our sector.
“For the first time, higher education 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.
“We are proud to deliver a resource that will directly support our members in enhancing safety, wellbeing and preparedness across universities worldwide.”
Nick Beale, Founder and CEO, ISARR said: “ISARR is delighted to be partnering with AUCSO on this important and influential project.
“This detailed analysis of the Higher Education Security landscape is both timely and significant.
“In order for AUCSO to influence the development of its member institutions it needs to measure and understand the output, pressures and changing demand on security provision.
“ISARR’s cutting edge technology, including the use of AI 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 change that enables universities to better protect people, assets and reputation.”
The findings reportedly highlight the transformation of university security from traditional guarding into a strategic, multi-faceted service. The report urges institutions to:
The Benchmarking Report 2025 is said to provide an in-depth examination of the factors reshaping university security.
According to the report, the sector is undergoing a shift from traditional guarding models toward more comprehensive safety and wellbeing services.
Security teams are said to be increasingly understood to be integrated within wider institutional welfare frameworks and strategic planning processes.
The report highlights technology as a major force-multiplier, with the near-universal presence of CCTV, growing use of digital incident recording systems, and a rapid expansion in body-worn video.
Larger institutions are said to be investing in broader and more specialised training programmes, reflecting the rising operational complexity of university environments.
Persistent workforce challenges are highlighted within the study, particularly around gender diversity, with women representing only about 5% of the security workforce and a continued dependence on traditional security backgrounds.
The report is said to call for more targeted recruitment and inclusion strategies aimed at building representative, community-focused teams.
Finally, the findings emphasise the need for systematic strategic planning and collaboration – aligning performance metrics with wellbeing outcomes, and strengthening partnerships with police, local authorities and emergency services.
