UNE’s safety and security services will be carried out by UNE Life from 1 November.

This follows a review of the nature and level of safety and security available to students and staff UNE, where it was decided this vital role of support would be best supplied as an in-house service, rather than by an outside provider on a contractual basis.

UNE Life – the principal agency for supporting students and staff in such areas as food and beverage, sport, student media, student clubs and societies, and graduation services – will now accept a direct responsibility for strengthening the environment of safety and security on campus for all those who live, work and study at UNE, and is now recruiting staff to carry out these responsibilities.

“Our first priority is to attract people who will relate well to students, both domestic and international, and particularly those who live on campus,” Director of UNE Life, David Schmude, said.

“We will be seeking new staff who can draw on their life experiences to foster an environment that is supportive of student welfare.”

UNE Life will provide training for all staff to ensure they are qualified to perform their roles and maintain a high level of safety and security on campus.

This new role will be both preventative and responsive, ensuring that, as far as possible, UNE has a strong and secure culture for all members of the UNE community, while also reacting effectively, in the event of emergency episodes, to serve the welfare of all members of the community.

Photo: Director of UNE Life David Schmude.