News

Community safety accreditation

Published 22 October 2012

Nine members of the University of Brighton’s night security staff have become the first university employees in Sussex to be successfully accredited under the Sussex Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

The accreditation allows the university’s security staff to work more closely with the community and the police on campus.

As part of the extended police family, staff have undertaken comprehensive training to help resolve disputes and issues such as parking problems. They have also received diversity and assertiveness training and advice on how to deal with emergencies.

Tim Bretherick, Assistant Director of Estates (Facilities), will be receiving the accreditation certificate on behalf of the University of Brighton on Thursday 18 October. Superintendent Simon Nelson will be attending to present the certificate in person.

Nine members of the University of Brighton night security staff have become the first university employees in Sussex to be successfully accredited under the Sussex Police Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

Left to right – Armand Didzus, university security officer; Simone French, Partnership Development Officer for Sussex Police; Superintendent Nelson; Tim Bretherick, and Mark Sugden, the university's deputy senior security officer.

Tim said: “The university is known for its pro-active approach to build good student and community relationships and we already work very closely with the local community and Sussex Police. This accreditation strengthens that work further.”
Superintendent Simon Nelson, part of the command team for Brighton, said: “Accredited staff are very much part of the extended police family. They undertake stringent training on conflict management and the law, and they are accountable to their managers.

“It is excellent that these nine members of staff at the University of Brighton have put time and effort into training for these roles. The scheme will help keep safe all staff, students and members of the public who live near to the campuses across the city.

“I want to thank the university for wanting to take part in this scheme, for showing their commitment to safety and for actively supporting Sussex Police.”

The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme was introduced in 2002 and enables chief constables to accredit employees of organisations who contribute towards community safety.