Reliance Elevate enables schools to adopt the latest cloud-connected security technology without the need for large upfront capital investment. It offers a smarter, more manageable approach to strengthening safeguarding, improving site oversight, and achieving digital and sustainability goals — all underpinned by Reliance’s expert support and commitment to quality.

As an independent integrator, Reliance delivers Elevate across a wide range of leading cloud-based technologies, ensuring schools have the flexibility to choose the right solution — without being tied to a single vendor.

What does Reliance Elevate include?

Reliance Elevate combines everything required to deliver and maintain a modern, cloud-connected security system — including hardware, software, installation, maintenance, and future system refreshes — all under one simple, predictable service.

It supports key systems in schools such as CCTV, Access Control, Visitor Management, Video Analytics, and more — all of which can be mixed, matched, scaled and updated as needed.

As specialists in integration, Reliance can bring these technologies together to create a joined-up solution — with the added benefit of extracting meaningful data to support operational improvement and better decision-making across the school or trust.

Two Elevate options are available:

• Standard – Keep or use existing cameras where suitable; Reliance Elevate covers the cloud platform, associated hardware (e.g. bridges or recorders), system upgrades, and full support
• Enhanced – New cameras included in your service package — ideal for phased upgrades or full system refreshes

Remote firmware and software updates are included as standard. Selected system hardware — including cameras and bridges — can also be refreshed at suitable intervals as part of your Elevate service. This benefit is available to all schools using Elevate, giving you the flexibility to upgrade to newer technologies over time if and when needed — helping you stay aligned with safeguarding priorities and operational goals.

Why choose Reliance Elevate?

Payment options

Reliance Elevate is offered on a minimum 5-year initial term, with optional 1-, 3-, or 5-year renewals thereafter. Schools can choose monthly, quarterly, or annual billing to align with budget cycles, funding windows, or financial policy.

Supporting schools exiting PFI contracts

Many schools coming out of long-term PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts are left with outdated, inflexible security systems that no longer meet modern safeguarding or operational expectations. Reliance Elevate provides a practical and future-proof route forward.

By removing the need for upfront capital and offering a fully service-wrapped approach, Elevate enables schools to upgrade ageing CCTV, access control, and other legacy systems — replacing them with cloud-connected technologies that are secure, scalable, and always fit for purpose.

Whether you’re planning a phased refresh or a full system replacement, Reliance Elevate gives you the tools to move forward confidently. With ongoing support, built-in upgrades, and no need to restart another fixed-term capital procurement cycle, schools exiting PFI contracts can take back control — and build the security environment they need for the future.

Supporting schools’ move to the cloud

Cloud technology is reshaping school security — enabling smarter safeguarding, more effective incident response, and long-term cost savings. Reliance Elevate helps you transition to a cloud-connected platform in a way that suits your school or trust — whether building on legacy equipment, blending new and existing, or delivering a complete refresh.

The real value lies in the cloud platform itself — improving resilience, enabling secure remote access, and unlocking powerful tools not available in traditional systems.

While full cloud video storage is available, many schools choose a hybrid model — storing video locally while using the cloud for system management, analytics and insights. Cloud storage can also be used for archiving or securely sharing footage when required. This flexible model supports change at your pace and keeps costs under control. Reliance will guide you to the most suitable approach for your needs.

Meeting the specific challenges of UK schools

Reliance Elevate is designed to address the unique operational and safeguarding challenges faced by schools and trusts across the UK:

• Access control and perimeter protection — Including ANPR, gate automation and lockdown capabilities to secure entry points and manage movement around the site
• Behaviour and safeguarding risks — Technologies such as vape detection and live analytics help schools monitor hotspots like toilets and corridors, supporting earlier intervention
• Remote alarm verification — Enables staff or facilities teams to review footage instantly in the event of an out-of-hours alert, avoiding unnecessary callouts
• Reputation and trust protection — Elevate helps schools respond quickly to incidents, enforce policies, and demonstrate compliance in areas such as GDPR and safeguarding
• Compliance by design — GDPR-compliant user management, role-based access, audit trails, and secure sharing features are all built in

Cloud-connected platforms deliver a host of educational benefits

 Operational efficiency

• Lower running and maintenance costs — without complex on-site infrastructure
• Easy to scale — support multiple sites or grow coverage over time
• Secure remote access — ideal for multi-academy trusts and dispersed teams
• Simplified footage sharing — with staff, safeguarding leads or external authorities
• Built-in compliance — full user control, data logging and access transparency

Security and safeguarding resilience

• Improved cyber protection — cloud-native security built in
• Fully network protected — encrypted and segmented by design
• Supports sustainability — through reduced energy use and longer hardware lifecycles

Smarter tools for safeguarding teams

• Integrates with third-party systems — including access control and IT
• Live analytics and alerts — for motion, occupancy, or unusual activity
• Specialist tools such as facial redaction — for secure sharing and incident management
• Data-led decision-making — gain insights to support policy and site planning

Even existing cameras can gain new value through cloud connectivity — unlocking real-time alerts, analytics and automation. And when you’re ready to expand or upgrade, Reliance Elevate makes the transition simple and cost-effective.