SafeZone Initiative launches: Transforming campus safety with instant alerts

01 Dec 2025

Download SafeZone today. The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, students, and visitors is our priority. In line with legislation, Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, we will be introducing device screen takeovers and SMS notifications to issue alerts across campus in emergency situations.

The new legislation requires all organisations – including ours – to review and improve their current safety protocols to ensure better protection for everyone.   

As a result of us carefully reviewing and strengthening our current measures, we are launching the SafeZone Safety Initiative to create a safer environment for all our community. 

What is SafeZone? 

SafeZone is a wide-ranging safety tool that can quickly connect you with security, first aid, or emergency response teams, and notify them of any important safety updates on campus.  

The app gives you the ability to ‘check-in’ when you’re on campus, helping to maximise safety if you’re working alone, and is designed to speed up potential response times. If you work alone, or are planning to work alone, there is further guidance about this below.  

All colleagues and students can download the SafeZone app through our SafeZone webpage or via the App Store or Google Play Store. 

As part of our SafeZone Safety Initiative, we will roll out further SafeZone functionality in two phases: 

SafeZone on managed devices 

Starting this month, SafeZone will be expanded to all managed University computers to provide instant, real-time alerts in the event of an emergency. In the system tray on your taskbar, you may notice a new SafeZone icon, confirming that it is now active on your device. 

When an alert is triggered, it will appear as a full-screen notification with clear, bold text and a high-visibility colour scheme to ensure immediate attention. The alert will include concise instructions and any critical next steps. 

SafeZone on SMS 

Early next year, we will roll out SMS alerts to all colleagues and students. These will ensure everyone, whether using a managed device or personal mobile phone, receives real-time notifications. Please ensure your personal details are up to date on MyView by logging in and following the instruction document if needed. 

Lone Working 

If you’re working alone on campus, it’s important to ensure your safety. SafeZone makes it simple to check in and let Campus Support & Security know where you are. By using the Check-In feature, you create a direct link to our team, so if something doesn’t feel right, assistance is immediate. 

Lone working can carry extra risks, so it’s important to plan ahead. Make SafeZone part of your routine whenever you are lone working, and ensure your details are up to date in MyView. You should also speak to your manager about check-in arrangements to ensure they know you’re working alone on campus. 

As well as the standard Check-In feature, we are now able to set up SafeZone team groups for lone working. This features a 'timed check functionality' and will notify your line manager if you go over the set timer. It's a great alternative to using buddys or WhatsApp when you are lone working on campus. To find out more contact, please contact Wise Dasilva-Olajide by email (wise.dasilva-olajide@manchester.ac.uk).