Security

 

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ's Security team provides a 24/7 in-house security service to all students, staff and visitors.

The team's work includes:

  • Responding to calls of service

  • Routine foot and mobile patrols

  • Checking, locking and unlocking buildings

  • Routine Health & Safety checks

  • Administering First Aid

  • Reporting crimes/incidents

  • Recording, safekeeping and disposing of all found property

  • Overseeing access rights for users and door schedules

  • Advising on crime detection and prevention

  • Manning CCTV systems

  • Sound level monitoring of events and parties

  • Management of keys

  • Out-of-hours emergency contractor call-outs

  • Student welfare 

The team works closely with the local community, including the Police, to provide a constant presence to all.

Any questions can be emailed to Securityteam@worc.ac.uk or you can call 01905 855000.

Security Services Operational Policy and Procedures

Policy Statement

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester Community & Security team operate across all ºüÀêÊÓÆµ sites, including St John’s Campus, City Campus, Severn Campus & Lakeside Campus. Security Services also support ºüÀêÊÓÆµ activities at partner locations when required.

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community consists of approximately 12000 students and staff, alongside visitors, contractors, and members of the public who access ºüÀêÊÓÆµ facilities.

The Community & Security team are committed to ensuring, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone studying, working, residing in, or visiting ºüÀêÊÓÆµ premises. This includes safeguarding personal safety, protecting property, managing access control, supporting traffic and parking arrangements, and protecting ºüÀêÊÓÆµ buildings and assets.

Security is a shared responsibility. All members of the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community are encouraged to report incidents promptly so that the Community & Security team can respond effectively and collaboratively.

Security can be contacted 24/7 via:

  • Security Control Room:           01905 855 495

  • Email:                                          securityteam@worc.ac.uk

In an emergency where there is an imminent threat to life or property, any person should call 999 immediately. Security will normally act as the primary liaison with the Police for non‑urgent matters.

Policy Purpose and Scope

This policy provides the framework for identifying, managing, and responding to security risks affecting the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester community, including students, staff, visitors, and contractors. It outlines the procedures and responsibilities required to maintain a safe and secure environment across all ºüÀêÊÓÆµ campuses and facilities.

Principles

The implementation of this policy aligns with the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester’s core values:

Inclusive

  • The Community & Security team will ensure that all individuals feel safe, welcome, and supported on campus. They will apply policies consistently and without discrimination, making reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities, vulnerabilities, or additional needs.

Ethical

  • The Community & Security team will act with integrity, honesty, and impartiality always. Decisions are based on evidence, professional judgement, and legal compliance, ensuring that all actions are justified, proportionate, and accountable.

Challenging

  • The Community & Security team will proactively challenge unsafe behaviour, suspicious activity, and breaches of ºüÀêÊÓÆµ policy. Officers are empowered to intervene appropriately, escalate concerns, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility.

Confident

  • The Community & Security team will demonstrate confidence in their training, decision-making, and authority. They respond decisively to incidents, communicate clearly, and maintain composure under pressure, ensuring the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community feels supported and protected.

Supportive

  • The Community & Security team will provide reassurance, guidance, and practical assistance during incidents. They work closely with the 24‑Hour Welfare Support Team and other services to ensure individuals receive the emotional and pastoral support they need.

Collaborative

  • The Community & Security team will work closely with the 24‑Hour Welfare Support Team, Estates, Accommodation, Student Services, HR, external emergency services, the university community and other stakeholders. Providing effective communication and collaborative working to ensure coordinated responses to incidents and ongoing risk management.

Professional

  • The Community & Security team will maintain high standards of conduct, appearance, and performance. They follow established procedures, complete accurate documentation, uphold legal and regulatory requirements, and always represent the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ positively.

Respectful

  • The Community & Security team will treat all members of the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community with dignity, courtesy, and professionalism, even in challenging or confrontational situations. Officers recognise the diverse backgrounds and needs of students, staff, and visitors.

Transparent

  • The Community & Security team will operate openly, clearly explaining decisions, processes, and actions wherever operationally appropriate. Incident reporting, CCTV usage, and investigative procedures follow documented protocols that support accountability and trust.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Community & Security team will:

  • Maintain a visible, uniformed, and appropriately trained presence.

  • Provide a service based on fairness, respect, and equality.

  • Respond to and investigate incidents within the scope of Security Services.

  • Record all incidents on the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s incident management system.

  • Assist emergency services when attending ºüÀêÊÓÆµ premises.

  • Monitor CCTV systems in accordance with the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s CCTV Code of Practice.

  • Provide a 24/7 response to alarms and emergencies.

  • Prevent unauthorised access, vandalism, theft, and other security risks.

  • Prioritise responses to fire alarm activations.

  • Reduce crime through patrols, technology, and community engagement.

  • Maintain effective communication with emergency services. (i.e. Police, Fire & Ambulance)

  • Deliver security and personal safety initiatives for the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community.

  • Monitor security trends and update procedures accordingly.

  • Lead crime reduction initiatives across ºüÀêÊÓÆµ premises.

All Security Officers are first aid trained and will conduct dynamic risk assessments at incidents. Security operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with full documentation maintained for operational continuity and major incident planning.

24‑Hour Welfare Support Team

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ operates a dedicated 24‑Hour Welfare Support Team that works in close partnership with Security Services to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and support of students and staff across all campuses.

The Welfare Support Team will:

  • Provide round-the-clock wellbeing support for students experiencing distress, crisis, or welfare related concerns.

  • Respond to referrals from Security Services, Accommodation, Student Services, or other ºüÀêÊÓÆµ departments.

  • Attend incidents where welfare, mental health, or pastoral support is required alongside or independently of Security, depending on the nature of the situation.

  • Conduct welfare checks on students or staff when concerns are raised about safety, wellbeing, or absence.

  • Offer immediate emotional support, reassurance, and guidance, signposting individuals to appropriate ºüÀêÊÓÆµ or external services.

  • Maintain accurate records of welfare related incidents in accordance with ºüÀêÊÓÆµ procedures and data protection requirements.

  • Work collaboratively with Security Services during major incidents, safeguarding concerns, or situations involving vulnerability.

  • Escalate cases to specialist teams such as Student Services, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Safeguarding, or external agencies where appropriate.

The Welfare Support Team operates 24/7 and forms a core part of the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s student support and safety infrastructure. Their role complements Security Services by ensuring that individuals receive both practical and emotional support during and after incidents.

Security leadership will act as the primary liaison with the Police and ensure relevant ºüÀêÊÓÆµ stakeholders are informed of significant incidents.

ºüÀêÊÓÆµ Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester benefits from a dedicated Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who works in partnership with the Community & Security team to enhance safety, crime prevention, and community engagement across all campuses.

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ PCSO will:

  • Provide a visible policing presence on and around ºüÀêÊÓÆµ premises, supporting reassurance and crime prevention activity.

  • Work collaboratively with the Community & Security team to address emerging crime trends, antisocial behaviour, and community safety concerns.

  • Offer specialist advice on crime reduction, personal safety, and local policing matters relevant to the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community.

  • Support investigations where appropriate by liaising between the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ and West Mercia Police, ensuring effective information sharing within legal and procedural boundaries.

  • Attend incidents on campus when required and when within the scope of PCSO powers, working alongside Security Officers and the 24‑Hour Welfare Support Team.

  • Participate in community engagement initiatives, student inductions, and awareness campaigns to promote safety, wellbeing, and responsible behaviour.

  • Assist in safeguarding related matters by working with the community & security team, the Welfare Support Team, and ºüÀêÊÓÆµ safeguarding leads, ensuring appropriate escalation to Police where necessary.

  • Provide intelligence led support to help reduce crime, vulnerability, and risk across the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ estate.

The PCSO is not a replacement for emergency Police response. In situations involving immediate risk to life, serious crime, or significant threat, Security Services or any individual should contact 999 without delay.

The PCSO role strengthens the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s partnership with West Mercia Police, ensuring a coordinated, community focused approach to safety and wellbeing.

Investigation Process

Security will initiate and document investigations using the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s incident management system. All relevant details (who, what, when, where) will be recorded. Where necessary, Security will liaise with other departments such as Estates, Student Services, HR, Accommodation, or Conduct & Appeals. Updates will continue until the matter is resolved or transferred out of Security’s jurisdiction.

Constraining Factors

Security Services rely on the cooperation of the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ community. Resource limitations mean that maintaining a safe environment requires shared responsibility and timely reporting from students, Staff and visitors.

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ Community Should:

  • Report all security-related incidents immediately.

  • Report suspicious behaviour on ºüÀêÊÓÆµ premises.

  • Report loss or theft of ºüÀêÊÓÆµ property.

  • Report damage that may compromise security.

  • Report changes to security arrangements affecting buildings or areas.

  • Be patient and courteous when awaiting assistance from Security staff.

  • Be empowered by the right to challenge, if something doesn’t look right speak out. 

Powers of Arrest and Physical Intervention

Security staff have the same powers as any citizen under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, allowing for a lawful citizen’s arrest under specific circumstances involving indictable offences.

Examples include:

  • Robbery

  • Criminal damage

  • Illegal drugs

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

  • Possession of offensive weapons

  • Firearms offences

Conditions for a lawful citizen’s arrest include necessity, reasonable grounds, and impracticability of waiting for a constable.

Physical Intervention

Security Officers may use reasonable force when necessary to prevent harm, protect property, or detain individuals committing indictable offences. All Officers receive accredited physical intervention training, refreshed every three years, and all SIA licence details are maintained and verifiable.

Use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)

The ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester owns and operates its CCTV scheme. All recorded material is ºüÀêÊÓÆµ property.

Purpose

  • Safeguard personal safety

  • Protect property

  • Prevent and detect crime

  • Support internal disciplinary processes

  • Assist Police and regulatory bodies

  • Monitor access to secure areas

Data Protection

All CCTV data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR). Access, retention, and disclosure follow strict controls.

Recorded Material

  • Individuals may request access to footage via the ºüÀêÊÓÆµ’s Information Governance Team at infoassurance@worc.ac.uk

  • Still images may be generated only for evidential purposes.

  • Recordings will not normally be released for civil litigation unless required by law.

Management

  • The Security Manager oversees day-to-day operation.

  • The Assistant Director of Security & Operations (or nominee) holds overall responsibility.

  • Annual reviews of the Code of Practice will be conducted.

Reports, Documents and CCTV Policy

Complaints

Concerns should be raised initially with the Head of Security.
If unresolved, complaints may be escalated to:

Assistant Director Security & Operations

St Johns Campus
ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester

Exceptions

There are no exceptions to this policy.

Amendments

This policy may be updated at any time where necessary. The approved version will remain published unless superseded.

Contacts

General ºüÀêÊÓÆµ Enquiries:

Head of Security:          

Head of Security

St Johns Campus
ºüÀêÊÓÆµ of Worcester