Mary Edwards is the University Security and Safety Officer. She has worked for the University for 8 years, beginning in the Finance Department. Mary is a keen hockey player and has just obtained her Level 1 England Coaches qualification. In her spare time, she is a Special Police Constable.


Briefly, what does your job entail?

I manage nine site stewards, who provide security cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  All stewards are enhanced CRB checked. Additionally, I manage the building security, advise on personal safety, check that we have reliable CCTV and liaise with the Police and other city organisations, such as Pubwatch. I am a member of the Association of University Chief Security Officers which develops and shares best practice nationwide. The management of safety includes first aid, fire safety, etc. for which the Site Stewards receive extensive training.

How safe is Winchester.

Winchester is regarded as a low crime area by Hampshire Constabulary.

What precautions regarding their personal safety and that of their belongings should students take when coming to university?

As well as the information available on the website, we have a popular stall which is run with the Police at Fresher’s Week where we provide advice and information on both personal safety and the security of your belongings. New students are given a security ‘goody bag’ containing personal attack alarms, UV pens, alcohol calculators, information on approved taxi firms, etc.

The Freshers Week is the start of our relationship with the students. As Winchester is a relatively small university it is easy to get to know the students. The students get used to integrating with each other as well as us, Student Services and the local police. We are a community who support each other. The result of this pastoral care forms a part of our duties too. An example of how the “community” works is if for instance, a student has sprained their ankle during the evening, this information is passed on to the nurse who will then contact that student the following morning to check that they are okay and to see if they need anything, whether that be a trip to the hospital or buying pain killers.

How easy is it getting back to campus from town or the railway station at night?

It is very easy, buses run very frequently, taxis are generally always available and we run a “Bike About” system, where you can borrow a bike from the university for free and use that, all you need to do is return it!

How safe is the Campus i.e. walking back to accommodation from a lecture after dark.

Whilst no incidents have taken place, we do not encourage female students to walk alone anywhere after dark, whether that be the city centre or campus. The university is well lit with regular security patrols. If a student is concerned about returning to their residence they can call the Site Stewards, who will ensure that they return home safely. Additionally we have Wardens as well as Senior Students who are located in all Halls of Residence who are in charge of the personal safety of students within the Halls. As we all work as part of team the support provided is easily accessed at all levels.

What precautions does the university take to keep the Campus safe?

We make sure that the campus is well lit with regular lighting surveys and ensuring that trees are well cut back. There are regular security patrols and CCTV in place. All Site Stewards have a radio/mobile phone which is additionally linked directly to the CCTV control room in Winchester so that immediate response can be received from the Police.

You mentioned CCTV, is this both on Campus and in Winchester? Is it monitored?

Yes, CCTV is in place both in Winchester City Centre and on Campus. However, the CCTV on Campus is recorded as opposed to monitored so as not to be too intrusive to students, but the CCTV in Winchester is monitored.

Uni Watch is mentioned around the university, can you explain what this is exactly?

UniWatch began life as a national organisation called Campus Watch, which for one reason or another didn’t work. I took some time to look at the reasoning behind it not working and then designed UniWatch for the University of Winchester. The aim of UniWatch is to create and build an environment in which all sections of the campus community can carry out their work and interests safely and without fear from crime. It has information on Security, keeping safe and an online reporting form where staff and students can report any incidents to the Security Department. It is worth noting that all information we receive is confidential, however you may remain anonymous when filling out this form if you wish.

As you already know, many parents have specific concerns when their child first starts at university and is still making new friends – how would the following scenarios be dealt with?

• How would anyone know if my child is ill and they are alone in their room?
• How would anyone know if my child did not come back to their room after a night out?

These scenarios just would not happen. As I mentioned before, Freshers Week is the time when students are introduced to other students, staff and the university community as a whole. In all halls of residence there are Senior Students, who are responsible for a small group of new students for the first week and introduce them to the city. Therefore an absence is noted quickly and checked up on. If there is a problem then the Senior Student can contact the relevant people and the problem, in most cases, is resolved.

Additionally we have Wardens within the Halls who are university staff employed to look after the welfare of first year students. They live in the halls and are close at hand if needed.

This first week at university is geared very much to friendships and to the community, as well as an introduction to the university. As you can see the structure of care within the university is very close.