This page provides comprehensive guidance on how to use the system, including its features, data compliance, and operational details.
What is it?
Provided by CriticalArc, the mass alert system is used to distribute urgent safety-related information at universities across the UK and around the world and is fully GDPR-compliant. It offers 24-hour services to help keep staff and students safe.
The system is essential for keeping staff and students safe in the event of a threat to life incident and a key part of the University’s response to new Government legislation, known as Martyn’s Law.
How will it be used?
Security Services will manage the system. Here’s what you need to know.
When will the system be used?
It will be used to notify users of serious incidents occurring in Oxford that may present a threat to life or risk personal injury.
How will notifications be received?
Alerts will be sent to staff and students' emails and mobile devices in the event of a major incident in the city. The contact information used will be sourced from University systems – the Core User Directory (CUD) for emails, SITS and eVision for student mobile phone numbers, and PeopleXD for staff mobile phone numbers.
Data and Compliance
The decision to use CriticalArc has been made following consultation with the University’s Information Security, Data Compliance and Legal Services teams, as well as the Conference of Colleges. The solution complies with all data protection laws, ensuring your information is handled responsibly. For more information, consult the privacy policy.
Do I need to do anything to receive alerts?
No, all staff and students have been added to the system automatically using existing sources of data (refer to the ‘how will notifications be received’ section for more details).
How to report an emergency incident: The procedure for reporting emergency incidents is unchanged. Please refer to “Emergencies – should you call the police or Security Services?”
SafeZone App
A future phase of the project later this year will see the gradual rollout of a ‘SafeZone’ app, providing the ability for individual colleges and departments to send local alerts, as well as for staff and students to raise alerts themselves. Information about the app will follow in the near future.
