The S12 has submitted its formal response to the Home Office consultation on recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, along with a letter confirming its wholehearted support of MR7 and MR8.
The consultation focuses on two key recommendations for the sector:
1. To review whether in-house CCTV operators should be licensed (MR7)
2. To consider whether contractors who carry out security services should be licensed (MR8)
It was noted that two CCTV operators working at the arena at the time of the devastating terror attack in 2017 had different levels of vetting and training. One was a contractor and required to hold an SIA licence, while the other was in-house and therefore exempt from licensing.
As well as potential licensing for CCTV operators, the report asks whether the same logic should also apply to other in-house operatives, including close protection, security guarding and cash/valuables in transit.
At the same time, the current regime does not allow the SIA to maintain appropriate oversight of security companies or individuals who lead them, nor does it have the necessary tools, under the PSIA 2001, to take enforcement action.
The S12 fully supports the introduction of mandatory business licensing, but any changes must be proportionate, viable and workable for the industry.
In the letter, S12 Chair Paul Evans, states: "Whilst fully in support of both proposals, we also believe that firm consideration should be given to awarding the industry regulator, the Security Industry Authority, additional powers, most notably those that relate to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
"The S12 would support any move that further enhances the performance of the regulator, and it is clear, based on levels of organised crime and corruption observed, that such powers would offer even more protection to the public.
"Representing companies that account for broadly a third of all security officers, we also wish to offer the SIA and Home Office the potential of using the S12 as a ‘testbed’ for the new legislation if successfully taken through the relevant and appropriate channels."
We now await the results of the formal consultation in due course.
You can read the letter in full below.
The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group has welcomed two senior leaders from Non-ACS companies to its core leadership committee, further strengthening representation across the UK private security sector.
Gemma Newman, General Manager of Newman Event Services, and Glen Tonkyn, Chief Executive Officer of Galaxon, join the S12 board, ensuring that compliant, professional Non-ACS providers have a direct voice in shaping industry reform and engagement with government.
The appointments follow an open application process launched in January, as the S12 moved to broaden its leadership structure and reflect the diversity of business models operating across the sector.
Working with government, the Security Minister and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the S12 was established to address critical industry challenges, raise professional standards and enhance public safety.
As engagement with policymakers continues to deepen, particularly across workstreams such as Mandatory Business Licensing, Martyn’s Law, labour exploitation, training malpractice and the SIA Business Approval Scheme, the inclusion of dedicated Non-ACS representation marks an important step in ensuring reforms are informed by the full breadth of operational experience.
Paul Fullwood, COO of the S12, said: “The introduction of Non-ACS board representation is about ensuring the S12 reflects the whole of the sector, from national providers to smaller, agile businesses delivering specialist and regional services.
“Both Gemma and Glen demonstrated strong compliance credentials and a genuine commitment to improving standards, strengthening governance and enhancing public safety. Their willingness to invest time, insight and leadership into S12 activity will add real depth to our work as we continue to drive positive change for the future.”
To support these aims, the two Non-ACS members will lead a dedicated Non-ACS workstream, which will be solely focused on bringing people from Non-ACS, SMEs and businesses outside PSIA scope to the table, to ensure their views, challenges and opportunities are fully represented in the S12’s work.
The S12 is now made up of representatives from:
Gemma Newman began her career as a casual security officer in 2016 before progressing through operational and administrative roles within her family business to become General Manager.
She has hands-on experience across event security, control rooms, safeguarding and static guarding operations, and already contributes to the S12’s Labour Exploitation and Diversity & Inclusion workstreams.
Gemma said: “I have seen first-hand the commitment within S12 to drive positive change, and being part of that has made me want to give more.
“Safeguarding and diversity are two areas I am deeply passionate about. Enhancing public safety sits at the heart of what the S12 exists to do, and I believe my operational background, combined with my focus on improving processes and standards, will allow me to contribute meaningfully at board level.
“I am committed to ensuring that the decisions we take today stand up to scrutiny in decades to come, and that future generations entering this industry feel represented and supported.”
Gemma also brings active involvement in industry initiatives including NOWIE and Women in Security, alongside charity and community engagement experience.
Glen Tonkyn, CEO of Galaxon, leads an agile, growing security business delivering complex contracts across the UK. His leadership has focused on strengthening operational governance, workforce engagement, leadership capability and the responsible use of technology to improve service delivery.
Glen said: “I’m absolutely delighted and very much looking forward to joining the team and contributing meaningfully to the S12.
“S12 plays a critical role in shaping the future of the UK security sector. Operating within a smaller company environment, I work closely with teams at all levels to build a culture where people feel supported, empowered and accountable. I believe that workforce development, clear career pathways and strong organisational culture are fundamental to service quality and public confidence.
“By sharing practical approaches that have delivered measurable improvements, I hope to support S12 in promoting scalable, sustainable solutions that raise standards across the industry.”
The two appointments reinforce the S12’s mandate to represent the interests of the UK security guarding sector while driving professionalism, accountability and improved public safety.
Paul Evans, Chair of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group, said:
“When we opened applications for two Non-ACS board positions, it was clear there was both appetite and capability within this part of the sector to contribute at the highest level. “Gemma and Glen each bring a range of valuable perspectives, from event security and safeguarding to workforce development and organisational leadership. Their appointments strengthen our ability to represent the whole of the industry as we continue to work together with the ultimate aim of leaving the industry in a better place than we find it today.”
As the work of the S12 increases at pace, we are now looking for a Communications & Engagement Lead to join our team on a full-time basis.
This key position will take a leading role in raising awareness of the S12 and supporting its mission to bring about positive change in the private security industry.
The role is essential to ensuring the S12 has a public voice (engaging and listening) and that the interests of all security companies, irrespective of size, are clearly, consistently, and credibly represented to government, regulators, media and industry stakeholders.
The Communications & Engagement Lead will be responsible for co-ordinating, planning and delivering the S12 Communications Strategy and workplan, supporting day-to-day S12 activities, updating on S12 workstream updates/progress, and working in collaboration with key partners in support of public safety and raising standards across the UK Private Security Industry.
For more details, please see the full Communications & Engagement Lead job description here.
Then submit your CV to Paul Fullwood, S12 Chief Operating Officer, via email to paul.fullwood@securityleaders.co.uk by Monday February 16th, 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing February 23rd, 2026.
If you're a supporter of the S12, whether you're a member of a workstream or an advocate for what we're trying to achieve, displaying the S12 Supporters Badge is a great way to help raise awareness of our aims and ambitions.
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The Home Office has asked the S12 to assist with the collection of some vital data from UK security companies to help inform its work on the Manchester Arena Inquiry MR7 and MR8 Mandatory Business Licensing Consultation.
The Home Office are seeking to understand which sectors are spending money on security, and roughly how much.
This data will enable the government to properly assess the economic impact of some of the consultation proposals.
More detail about the information that is needed, and why, can be viewed in the slides below.
If you are the leader of a security company, and are able to help provide this information, please email comms@securityleaders.co.uk, with the subject heading Home Office Data, and we will forward you a copy of the survey spreadsheet and accompanying instructions.
Please note, the deadline for submitting information to the Home Office is 11.59pm on Friday February 13th.
This is a good opportunity to help shape change, and to ensure changes are fully considered and beneficial.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
The S12 works collectively with Government, the Home Office, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and the Security Minister to address critical industry issues, promote high standards, enhance public safety, and strengthen the professional reputation of the sector.
The S12 is now seeking to appoint two additional Non‑ACS board members to its core leadership committee. Following on from recent ACS appointments, these new roles will broaden industry representation and inclusivity as the group continues to engage on key priorities.
These include Mandatory Business Licensing, Martyn’s Law, labour exploitation, training malpractice and the Business Approval Scheme.
Successful candidates will play a central role in shaping S12 workstreams and representing the views and experience of Non‑ACS companies at the highest level.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Company Eligibility
A full evidence pack of the above will be required within seven days from candidates who receive a conditional offer.
Commitment Level
Selection Process
Submission Guidelines
More information about the S12, including Terms of Reference, is available on the pages of this website.
Thank you for your interest in joining the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group, a collaborative initiative that brings together senior leaders from across the UK’s security guarding sector.
