Safety and Security Information - Stay Safe Principles

Safety on Campus – Guidance for Staff, Students and Visitors

The safety of staff, students and visitors at Liverpool Hope University is a top priority. It is essential that everyone is informed and prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency or security incident on campus.

While there are currently no specific threats to the University, the The UK National Security Threat Level is ‘Severe’ (May 2026), meaning a terrorist attack is highly likely. Although such incidents remain rare, being prepared can help save lives.

Stay Safe Principles: Run – Hide – Tell

In the unlikely event of a serious safety threat (such as firearms, weapons, or terrorist activity), follow the Run – Hide – Tell guidance and 'Stay Safe Principles'

Run – Escape the danger if it is safe to do so.
Hide – Find cover, stay out of sight, and remain quiet.
Tell – Call emergency services as soon as it is safe.

This short video is available to demonstrate these actions and help you understand how to respond effectively during an incident.

Guide – Shelter – Report (GSR)

In addition to Run–Hide–Tell, staff should follow the Guide – Shelter – Report principles:

Guide – Direct people away from danger where it is safe to do so.
Shelter – Move to a secure location, lock or barricade doors, and stay quiet.
Report – When safe, contact emergency services and provide clear, accurate information.

This approach supports quick decision-making, reduces risk, and helps protect lives during fast-moving incidents. Please see this short video from NaCTSO introducing the principles of GSR (Guide > Shelter > Report).

Be Prepared

All staff, students and visitors should familiarise themselves with emergency procedures and be ready to act if required. Key guidance is available through:

Emergency Information and Emergency Incident Guidance

Being aware and prepared ensures a safer environment for everyone.

Bomb threats

Bomb threats should be taken seriously. If you receive a call, or other communication, record as much detail as possible using theBomb Threat Action Checklist . Report on the University emergency number for assessment that may result in evacuation, dependent on circumstances. A bomb threat is a crime, so even if believed to be a hoax, report the incident to Campus Services for reporting to Police.

Suspicious items and packages

If you suspect any item or package is suspicious, avoid unnecessary handling. If you are holding the item, put it down on a cleared flat surface. Keep it separate so it is easily identifiable. Do not move it. Report on the University emergency number to Campus Services and follow Suspicious Item Guidance.

Firearms, weapons, marauding Terrorist attack

Incidents are rare, however follow RUN-HIDE-TELL Stay Safe Principles. Run from danger to any place of safety. Hide if you can’t run, such as locking and barricading a classroom door if you can, guide everyone away from view, behind something substantial if you can, and make no sound, including silencing mobile phones. Tell the police on ‘999’, only when safe to do so. Police will alert campus services to the incident.

A number of University staff are trained and informed in preparation for, and response to emergency incidents. On rare occasions it may be necessary to dynamically act on information, and react to incidents outside, securing doors, and guiding people to shelter inside. To be better informed on these measures, ACT for Education Training is available to all staff via staff development.

The University is currently preparing procedures for compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, 2025. Staff will be provided with information on procedures and requirements under the act, during induction, during training and in procedural documents, including new measures beyond ‘Stay Safe Principles’ on how to keep people safe.

Fieldwork and international travel incidents

Stay Safe Principles, Run-Hide-Tell guidance remains, and emergency contingency measures should form part of pre-trip risk assessments. If you are involved in an incident, report to the University as soon as possible via your emergency contact. The University insurer provides rapid emergency support and University Chubb Travel Smart Mobile App, provides emergency contact information at your location, location risk information, live security updates and direct emergency alert button features.

Major fire, structural damage, utility outage to a university building

React to continuous sounding alarms, follow established fire action guidance and direction of fire marshals to designated assembly points. A major fire with structural damage to buildings or significant disruption to power supply, may result in temporary direction to further designated locations with Estates business continuity plan enacted.

Gas leakage, smell of gas

If you suspect a gas leak, don’t operate electrical switches, don’t smoke, or use mobile phones in the vicinity, don’t leave it to someone else to report. Do open doors and windows for ventilation. Follow Gas Leak Procedures and contact Campus Services.

Cyber incident, loss of information or telecommunications

Damage or loss affecting the University’s data centre and systems will have a significant effect on university operations. IT Services Disaster Recovery Plan will be enacted and communicated to you.

Designated locations

You will receive communication, direction, and guidance to designated locations by first responders as temporary shelter, triage and first aid locations as part of major and serious incident plan procedures. Designated locations have been communicated internally and are not included on this webpage for security reasons.

Communications in an emergency

Contact Campus Services using the emergency number to allow ‘first response’ and summoning of emergency services on ‘999’ if necessary. Personal judgment on whom to contact first in emergencies is reasonable, however for ‘firearms, weapons, or marauding attacker incidents, advice is to call ‘999’ first.

Emergency Numbers:

Hope Park - 0151-291-(3800)

Creative Campus - 0151-291-(3700)

Aigburth Park - 0151-291-(3095)

Silent solutions

If you are unable to speak, but need police assistance, after dialling 999, dial 55 (from a mobile) and follow Police Guidance - Silent Solutions.

Defibrillators

The University operates defibrillators on site with first aid and emergency trained staff who know how to use them. Do you know where these are ? Defibrillator Locations

Corporate Communications & Marketing

The Corporate Communications & Marketing Team are responsible for all official University communications, including media and social media responses in emergencies. To avoid spreading inaccurate information, social media updates should only be posted from University official corporate accounts and those of relevant emergency services. Staff should refrain from posting updates on any separate University accounts they may be responsible for. The University’s official corporate accounts are: (Facebook) (X) (Instagram) (LinkedIn) (TikTok).