Accommodation: Physical Security Policy
Blackfriars Hall Physical Security Policy
Reviewed January 2026
This policy and its supporting security standards set out how Blackfriars Hall aims to protect its people and its assets (including buildings, estates, property, and information it manages as a branch of the English Province of the Order of Preachers) against physical threats such as crime (theft and criminal damage) and terrorism through the implementation of physical security controls. Physical security requires appropriate ‘layering’ of physical and technical measures and involves a balance between prevention, detection and response.
Blackfriars Hall is responsible for the direct management, repair and maintenance a small footprint of facilities within Oxford. This comprises student accommodation at 16-17 St John St and the Annexe building, which has a mixed use of offices and student accommodation. Oxford University Security Services (part of Estates Services) is responsible for many aspects of collegiate University security and is available to provide advice and guidance on designing out opportunity for crime and physical security.
Based on the principles of the University of Oxford’s ‘Design Against Crime’ philosophy document and as a minimum requirement, Blackfriars Hall will ensure that:
- appropriate and proportionate physical security measures are incorporated in both the design and layout for new and refurbishment Capital Projects;
- all existing buildings and property have appropriate and proportionate physical security controls in place including:
- exterior (e.g. secured perimeter and grounds, fences and barriers, lighting, intruder detection systems and CCTV, if risk assessed as appropriate)
- environmental (landscaping and environmental design)
- entrance (e.g. security rated doors, windows and gates, appropriate access control systems, reception areas)
- administrative (use of access control fobs, visitor passes and procedures for issuing and withdrawing these)
- property (e.g. asset inventories);
- all Blackfriars buildings and property are subject to an annual physical security audit, referring to local security risk assessments;
- all staff, students and visitors are aware of local security arrangements and emergency procedures;
- all staff and students are aware of local procedures for reporting crime, security incidents or suspicious activity within the department.
Responsibilities
The implementation of this policy relies on effective governance arrangements and organisational structures in respect of physical security issues.
The Local Executive Board of Blackfriars Hall is responsible for strategic oversight of physical security threats and making sure the Hall has mechanisms in place to implement the physical security measures necessary to mitigate those threats. It is also responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the Hall’s physical security policy and supporting security standards. The Bursar is responsible for:
- risk assessment of properties, including student accommodation;
- (in consultation with University Security Services and others) investigating security incidents or breaches in a fair, objective and professional manner to ensure that those responsible for such incidents are held to account for their actions and that the causes of such incidents or breaches are fed into prevention work to minimise any reoccurrence;
- undertaking annual physical security audits to ensure that local security arrangements remain appropriate, effective and proportionate;
- providing physical and personal security training and briefings to staff, students and visitors as required; and
- maintaining and developing partnerships with other security providers, contributing to local crime reduction and community safety initiatives.
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All staff and students are personally responsible for familiarising themselves with, and complying with, Blackfriars Hall security arrangements, local emergency procedures and local procedures for reporting crime, security incidents or suspicious activity within the department. In particular, staff and students must:
- be aware of potential tailgaters when entering and leaving University premises;
- take care of personal possessions and ensure they are kept securely;
- lock sensitive material away and lock PC screens when away from desks;
- report faulty doors/access systems in accordance with local procedures;
- keep offices as clear as possible so that buildings can be evacuated quickly and, in the event of a security alert, it is easier to spot suspect items.
Blackfriars Hall Bursary – bursary@bfriars.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University Security Services – http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/ouss/
Emergency (24 hours) (0)1865 (2) 89999
General Enquiries (24 hours) & non-emergency incident reporting (0)1865 (2) 72944
E-Mail: security.control@admin.ox.ac.uk
The following are all available on the OUSS website: