April to June saw regular workstreams, increased industry engagement and the appointment of a full-time team.
The S12 has made significant progress and now has 16 appointed board members, from large, medium, small and non-ACS companies, as well as three full-time impartial members that make up the core team, as well as a further appointed assurance role.
Engagement continues to grow within the industry with over 3,200 followers on LinkedIn and nearly 400 professionals registered on workstreams. Workstream members cover several areas of the sector, including Training Centres, K9 Associations, Labour Providers, Security Officers and more.
Paul Fullwood, S12 Chief Operating Officer, said:
"Over the past three months, the S12 has expanded considerably, with nine workstreams now in place to advance its strategic aims. Through these workstreams, the S12 is driving industry progress while supporting wider legislative reform. We will continue to collaborate with industry, government, key stakeholders, and trade associations to elevate standards, promote professionalism and enhance the reputation of the security sector."
Industry Impact in Q1:
- Written to the Security Minister stating our formal support for the introduction of mandatory business licensing (MR8) and removal of the in-house exemption (MR7), we believe this would support better public protection outcomes, raise standards with minimal regulatory burden.
- Several workstreams have hosted guest speakers, including ACC Jenny Gilmer, a leading advocate for the integration of private security and policing, alongside representatives from the Home Office, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and a range of trade associations. These sessions have addressed a variety of topics, including labour exploitation, dog handling, and broader issues affecting the private security sector.
- A joint petition between the S12 and Security Industry Federation (SIF), lobbying ‘to make assaulting a security worker a standalone offence’ surpassed 12,000 signatures, prompting a response from the government. The S12 is now transitioning to data collection to build a business case that supports the petition further, including an industry White Paper.
- Coordinated an industry feedback letter to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Home Office regarding the Approved Contractor Scheme Fee Increase, amplifying the industry response through survey and webinar data, as well as online feedback. The S12 remains committed to amplifying industry priorities and working constructively with government stakeholders.
- Supported ongoing Business Approval Scheme (BAS) developments with an official letter to the SIA, featuring a detailed response shaped by the feedback received from the Mandatory Business Licensing (MBL), BAS, Data Sharing and Buyer Education Workstream members.
- Established a Canine Specialist Workstream aimed at improving standards across the Security Dog Sector, with an industry-wide survey seeking views to shape the future of the Security Dog Sector.
- Sent a letter to the Security Minister and Home Office seeking additional enforcement, investigative and RIPA powers for the SIA.
- Attended several events to amplify industry concerns and remain engaged with the industry.
- Met with the UK Security Minister’s team at the Home Office to discuss the immediate priorities for the S12 that have been shaped by industry feedback from events, workstreams and online engagement.
- Hosted a Security Careers Webinar to discuss the current state of security careers, exploring what improvements may be needed. This will become an ongoing priority as part of the Security Skills, Standards and Professionalism workstream.
The S12 will continue to work toward stronger industry engagement as it approaches its first anniversary in September.
Security professionals across the sector are encouraged to register for S12 workstreams and contribute to shaping the future of the industry. Register for workstreams online.
