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 S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group marks its first three months in operation, the committee has been reflecting on everything achieved so far, and the strategic direction for the future.
There has been significant interest from the industry to get involved, with hundreds of security professionals pledging their support and joining workstreams to represent the sector with one united voice.
Set up at the request of Government, the S12’s mission is to work alongside Security Minister Dan Jarvis to help raise standards, shape policy and improve public safety.
The group has now been officially incorporated as a Community Interest Company to reinforce the intent to support all parts of the UK private security industry.
It’s clear there’s a lot of work to do, and as it enters a new year, the S12 has taken the opportunity to reflect on the best way forward from an organisational point of view, to ensure the group can be as effective and efficient as possible.
To that end, a number of key changes will be made.
New Chief Operating Officer appointed
In recognition of the need for consistent and dedicated leadership across the S12 workstreams, Chief of Staff Paul Fullwood will transition into the role of S12 Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This role will oversee the day-to-day strategic leadership of the S12’s aims and objectives, working towards an agreed ‘delegation of responsibilities’ as Senior Responsible Owner for the S12 workstreams, alongside workstream leads.
The new role will include voting rights as a member of the S12 and will provide independent and impartial leadership of the S12 workstreams. Over the next few weeks, the workstreams will be harmonised to reduce current overlap, and place greater focus on specific priorities, while others will become core S12 business.
The COO will oversee a new administrative role, which is currently being recruited, and the communications and engagement function, to drive forward the essential work required to support the S12’s strategic aims and mission.
‘Overwhelmed by support so far’
Paul Evans, Chair of the Security Guarding Leadership Group, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from across the industry so far. The S12 group has made an excellent start with hundreds of people getting involved, and many positive in-roads already being made into a number of big issues affecting the sector.
“But the workload is huge and we recognise that the committee members are all senior security leaders with busy full-time jobs, who give their time to the S12 on a voluntary basis.
“The three-month strategic review has highlighted the need to bolster the strategic leadership and enabling functions, and to streamline our priorities to ensure we can have as much of an impact, across as many of the industry’s big challenges, as quickly as possible.
“The new COO role will therefore provide the S12 day-to-day leadership, strategic oversight, governance, engagement, workstream oversight and will work in collaboration with key agencies and partners.
“Paul Fullwood’s background as former Executive Director for the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Assistant Chief Constable (Policing) will continue to add significant leadership, experience, and knowledge to support the S12’s aims to help raise standards, shape policy and improve public safety across the UK Private Security Industry.
“Through 2026 we will also look to streamline the current S12 workstreams to bring overlapping areas of work together and define clearer objectives.
“Paul will also directly oversee the selection and appointment of the two additional ‘Non-ACS’ S12 board members we will shortly be advertising to diversify representation. His previous background and commercial independence will ensure we select the best candidates for these crucial S12 roles.
“Along with the latest appointments to the S12, these changes put us in an excellent position to start 2026, laying the foundations for us to build real progress towards our mission of raising standards and improving public safety.”
About the S12
The S12 meets regularly with the Security Minister, the Home Office and the SIA to drive the highest professional standards across the industry. Its work is informed by data, insights from trade associations, and collaborations on initiatives such as the proposed Security Skills Academy.
The S12 Senior Leadership Group (S12) and the Security Industry Federation (SIF) have launched a national petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a specific offence for assaulting a security worker.
Every day, security officers across the UK face rising levels of violence, threats and abuse while protecting the public. Many suffer injuries, trauma and long-term impact on their mental health. Yet unlike emergency workers, security personnel still do not benefit from a dedicated statutory offence that reflects the risks they face.
S12, formed under the direction of the Security Minister and tasked with being the operational voice of the security guarding sector, exists to shape public safety policy and to lead industry-wide action on critical issues affecting workers and the communities they protect. This call for legislative reform aligns directly with its mandate to improve public safety and accelerate essential protective legislation.
The SIF is the UK’s only dedicated trade union for security professionals, representing security workers across the UK including frontline officers, many of whom report daily violence, under-reporting, and inconsistent employer responses. Both S12 and SIF agree that the current legal framework does not go far enough to deter offenders or safeguard staff.
Security workers are an essential part of the UK’s public safety infrastructure. They prevent harm, protect the public, and support policing and emergency services. Yet they continue to face unacceptable levels of violence with insufficient legal protection. Introducing a standalone offence would send a clear and powerful message: assaults on security workers will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
'One of the most pressing issues affecting the industry'
Alex Booth, S12 board member and workstream lead for Lobbying for Legislation to Protect SIA workers, said: “Calling for legislation to provide greater protection for security workers was quickly identified as one of the most pressing issues facing the sector during the S12’s industry-wide consultation in October. The launch of this petition will hopefully help signal how important this is and raise it further up the agenda.”
Daniel Garnham, SIF General Secretary said: "I welcome S12’s support for the call to create a specific offence for assaults on security workers. For too long, our frontline staff have faced serious and often brutal attacks, yet too many offenders leave court without meaningful consequences, a stark contrast to the protections rightly afforded to emergency workers.
Together, we are urging the industry to back this petition and calling on the Government to stand behind the thousands of security professionals across the UK who keep the public safe every day".
The petition requires 10,000 signatures for a Government response and 100,000 signatures for parliamentary debate. The S12 and SIF are jointly urging the entire security sector, including employers, staff, clients, trade associations, and members of the public, to show their support.
Sign and share the petition today.
Support the workers who protect us all.
Leaders from across the security industry who are passionate about driving positive change in the sector are being sought to join the newly formed Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12).
Set up at the request of Government, the S12’s mission is to represent the interests of the industry with one united voice, working alongside Security Minister Dan Jarvis to help raise standards, shape policy, and improve public safety.
An initial 10 leaders were elected by the industry to form S12’s core committee ahead of its inauguration on October 1, but the desire has always been to ensure the representation is balanced and reflective of the entire industry.
Nominations are now open for CEOs, managing directors, or owners who would like their company to take a leading role in championing the sector. Nominations can be filled in and submitted via this S12 application form.
The nomination window closes at 10am on Monday, December 15, and all candidates will be listed on the S12 Leadership Group website, ready for voting to open on Wednesday, December 17, at 10am.
To ensure fair and representative membership, preference for the vacant seats will be given to large and medium organisations first, followed by smaller organisations, in line with S12’s original and previously communicated Terms of Reference.
The existing 10 seats are held by three large organisations (annual turnover of £100m+) and six smaller organisations (annual turnover less than £30m), plus a trade association seat. They are supported by two governance roles.
Elected company representatives pay an annual contribution to help fund the S12’s activities based on their company’s size and turnover. All funding bands and candidate criteria can be viewed in the S12 Terms of Reference.
Members serve a minimum two-year term, with an expectation that the role will involve a time commitment of around 20 days per year. This includes meetings (mainly online) and regular travel to London for in-person government meetings.
Paul Evans, Chair, Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12) said:
“It was always the intention to form a core committee of motivated members who will each play a leading role in driving forward the objectives of the S12. The overall aim is to represent the views of the whole industry so that we can leave it in a better place than we found it.
“We’re looking for passionate and dedicated people - it’s a significant commitment of time and resources, but also a unique opportunity to finally bring about the changes that we all know are needed.
“The S12 isn’t just about the board members though. It’s about collaborating with the wider industry to make sure as many voices as possible are represented and heard. Committee members lead on key areas of work, identified through an industry consultation, in partnership with hundreds of people who have already registered to join workstream groups.
“With this next round of nominations, we’re hoping to strengthen the team even further as we work towards delivering positive change.”
Core criteria for candidates
Election process and timeline
Voting will open from 10am on Wednesday, December 17, until 10am on Friday, January 2, with elected members to be revealed the following week.
Votes can be cast by ACS companies operating in an SIA-licensable activity within scope. More details on the voting process will be available via the S12 website.
About the S12
The S12 meets regularly with the Security Minister, the Home Office and the SIA to drive the highest professional standards across the industry. Its work is informed by data, insights from trade associations, and collaborations on initiatives such as the proposed Security Skills Academy.
