Leading the approach to ensuring a safe, inclusive and thriving university community

At Keele University, community is at the heart of everything we do. Set within one of the UK's largest and most distinctive campus environments, we are committed to creating a place where students, colleagues and visitors feel safe and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Community Safety and Security to provide leadership for a service that is integral to the student and staff experience. This is not simply a security role – it is an opportunity to shape the culture, resilience and wellbeing of our campus community and make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people every day.

As a key leader within Student Services, you will lead the University's 24/7 Community Safety and Security function, driving a modern, proactive, inclusive and people-centred approach to safety and incident response.

You will ensure that our campus remains a welcoming, inclusive and secure environment, while supporting the University's ambitions to deliver an outstanding student experience.

Working closely with the University Warden and senior colleagues across the institution, you will lead our approach to campus safety, emergency preparedness, major incident management, business continuity and out-of-hours support.

You will play a critical role in responding to student crises and safeguarding concerns, ensuring effective, compassionate and professional support when it matters most. This requires strong partnership working, both within and beyond the University. You will develop and strengthen relationships with the emergency services, local authorities and community partners, influencing strategy and ensuring Keele remains at the forefront of good practice in community safety and security.

Leading a skilled and dedicated team, you will foster a culture of professionalism, inclusion, innovation and continuous improvement. You will embrace new technologies, develop preventative approaches to safety and wellbeing, and ensure that our services meet external requirements and evolve to meet the changing needs of our diverse university community.

Whether supporting major university events, developing innovative safety initiatives, or helping students when they need it the most, your leadership will help create an environment where people feel they belong, can achieve their potential and are empowered to thrive.

If you are an inspirational leader with a passion for community safety, partnership working and delivering exceptional services, we would love to hear from you.

Join Keele and help shape a safe, inclusive and thriving community for all.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Carl Hambleton-Ratcliffe, University Warden at [email protected].

Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Interviews 16 September 2026