1. University of West Scotland
Case study | Education
Friendly, helpful and flexible – the officers routinely go above
and beyond the call of duty to help out wherever they can.
John Cotton, Facilities Manager, University of the West of Scotland

2. 0800 716 586
www.securitas.uk.com
Securitas and UWS
Securitas has been providing manned guarding
services across the Hamilton campus since 2011.
The site security team have more than 13 years’
experience looking after the campus and, therefore,
have the skills and knowledge to ensure the site
remains a safe environment for all its stakeholders.
A total of eight Securitas officers cover the necessary
shifts to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of
the busy car park, as well as being on hand to respond
to any incidents that may occur across the campus.
Passionate about the service they deliver, the officers
work hard to ensure all incidents are dealt with
professionally and effectively.
The car parks are in high demand throughout the day
and officers man the three access and exit gates to
ensure staff, students and visitors are accommodated
accordingly. Once the car park has closed, the officers
on duty carry out patrols around the campus to
monitor and respond to incidences which may include:
• Alarm activations - i.e. fire alarm, intruder alarm,
disabled assistance/EVAC chair response
• Behavioural issues - i.e. smoking, antisocial student
or local gang activity and vandalism
Officers are also tasked with key handling for any staff
or contractors needing access outside normal working
hours and are on hand until late classes finish –
typically 9pm.
The Halls of Residence, which accommodates 156
students in 26 flats, houses a control room where an
officer monitors the campus’ 32 CCTV cameras and is
a reassuring point of contact 24 hours a day for staff
and students alike. John Cotton, Facilities Manager at
the University, comments: “The officers really are part
of the structure here on campus. Both staff and
students really appreciate having them around as
they not only provide a secure environment, but are
extremely helpful and flexible to our needs.
“All the officers at the campus are committed to doing
a good job,” he added. “They take pride in everything
they do and are recognised on the site as ‘the men
who know everything’. This is because they can
usually provide the answer for every question about
the site and, if they do not have the answer they will
get it for you. They will always provide an informed
response and will always be on shift on time.”
Above and beyond
Two officers made a particular impression on John
and his team recently when a faulty kitchen appliance
flooded a first floor kitchen. “Their prompt response
and hands-on attitude really helped us out of a messy
situation,” explained John. “So much so that we
recognised them both with a monetary award to say
thank you. And it wasn’t an isolated incident as all our
officers routinely go above and beyond the call of duty
to help out wherever they can. They really are a
trustworthy and reliable team.”
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is one of the country’s largest
modern universities. With campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley,
UWS has a distinctive and important regional role, offering a wide range of
academic, social and sporting facilities and delivering taught courses,
Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters & Research Degrees. The University has
a diverse range of students from all over the world.