New methodological tool for managing security issues for events
Uppsala University’s academic ceremonies, public defences of theses, conferences, concerts, public lectures or other events should be safe for all to attend. Therefore, a new method support for event security has been introduced. Photo: Danish Saroee, Uppsala University.
Every year, a large number of events are held in Uppsala University’s premises. An important part of planning each event is security. In recent times, a growing need for support among event organisers has been noted.
Fredrik Blomqvist. Photo: David Naylor, Uppsala University.
Whether it is an academic ceremony, public defence of a thesis, conference, concert, public lecture or other event, people should be able to attend with confidence and trust that they will be safe. A new methodological tool for event security has been introduced, and all employees who organise and work with University events will be affected by the new procedures.
“Participants and audiences should always feel safe during an event. Organisers have been calling for templates for security plans and support in conducting risk reviews, practical safety measures and tips to bear in mind for events. To make life easier for the organiser, who is responsible for public order and security at their event, a guide on event security has now been published along with a new form The organiser’s risk review for events at Uppsala University,” says Fredrik Blomqvist, Chief Security Officer at Uppsala University.
Better help to identify potential risks
Marie Allansson. Photo: David Naylor, Uppsala University.
The guide sets out the organiser’s responsibilities and provides advice and recommendations with regard to the Swedish Public Order Act (1993:1617), risk reviews, security measures before and during events, and the ‘alarm chain’ at Uppsala University: how to call for campus security support if needed, or if there is danger to life, health or property. The new form replaces the previous Event Registration form.
“In the new form, the organiser gets help in assessing risks by answering a number of questions about conceivable risks. That helps to identify potential risks and plan risk mitigation measures,” says Marie Allansson, Security Officer at the University Administration’s Security and Safety Division.
The risk review is then sent directly to the Campus Management or equivalent unit for the campus where the event will take place. The Campus Management then interacts with the organiser based on needs, instead of everything going via the Security and Safety Division as was the case previously. The previous method has not really kept up with developments in society, according to Marie Allansson.
“It hasn’t been providing sufficient support to organisers, for example concerning the Public Order Act or how to conduct a risk review. It has also meant some duplication of work as the organiser has had to interact with both the Campus Management or equivalent unit and the Security and Safety Division even in the case of relatively small events with a low risk level, which applies to most events at Uppsala University,” she says.
Support still available when needed
The Security and Safety Division will continue to provide advice and support when needed. An area where advice is often sought by organisers is how the Public Order Act affects events at Uppsala University, in particular public gatherings/official events and which events should be reported to the Swedish Police. This was noted in particular in connection with the ban on bags, which was introduced at many events between 2023 and 2025.
“Support to the University will continue with advice and recommendations as well as internal and external collaborations, for example with campus security and the Police. The special collaboration before and during Valborg and Almedalen Week will also continue as before. Because the new and updated security procedures are being introduced now, the support will be well tried and tested in advance of Uppsala University’s 550th Anniversary in 2027,” says Marie Allansson.
Johan Ahlenius
Planning an event at Uppsala University
What are the most important things you should consider concerning security when planning an event at Uppsala University?
- Visit the web page Event Security on the Staff Gateway and read the information.
- Read “Event Security – Guidance from the Security and Safety Division”.
- Fill out the web form “The organiser's risk review for events at Uppsala University”.
- Take measures based on the level of risk you assess is associated with your event, which may involve anything from collaboration with the Campus Management or equivalent on the campus where your event will be held, to preparing a security and safety plan and booking security staff (usually security guards).
- Collaborate if necessary with the Campus Management/equivalent where the event will be held, and if necessary also with the Security and Safety Division via security@uu.se; and
- Ensure that any permits/notifications required are obtained/submitted and complied with.