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 University’s incident management system.
-
Assist emergency services when attending University premises.
-
Monitor CCTV systems in accordance with the University’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 University community.
-
Monitor security trends and update procedures accordingly.
-
Lead crime reduction initiatives across University 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 University 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 University 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 University or external services.
-
Maintain accurate records of welfare related incidents in accordance with University 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 University’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 University stakeholders are informed of significant incidents.
University Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
The University 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 University PCSO will:
-
Provide a visible policing presence on and around University 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 University community.
-
Support investigations where appropriate by liaising between the University 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 University safeguarding leads, ensuring appropriate escalation to Police where necessary.
-
Provide intelligence led support to help reduce crime, vulnerability, and risk across the University 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 University’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 University’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 University community. Resource limitations mean that maintaining a safe environment requires shared responsibility and timely reporting from students, Staff and visitors.
The University Community Should:
-
Report all security-related incidents immediately.
-
Report suspicious behaviour on University premises.
-
Report loss or theft of University 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.