The S12 has submitted its formal response to the Home Office consultation examining recommendations arising from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, alongside a letter confirming its support for recommendations MR7 and MR8.The consultation considers two proposals affecting the private security sector:A review of whether in-house CCTV operators should be required to hold licences (MR7)Consideration of licensing requirements for contractors providing security services (MR8)The issue follows evidence presented during the inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, where two CCTV oper...

Nominations are open for the eleventh US Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), part of a global programme now operating in 48 countries. The awards aim to recognise and reward exceptional achievement across the security sector.Entry is free and available to companies, teams, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance. Nominations may be submitted in multiple applicable categories.The submission deadline is June 9, 2026, with entries accepted in the following categories:Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director Outstanding Contract Security Ma...

More than 180 women from across the UK security sector gathered at The Old Library in Digbeth on 5 March to mark International Women’s Day at an event organised by the Women in Security Network, powered by Women in Security Enterprise (WISE UK).The event brought together professionals from across physical security, cyber security, risk, and governance roles to discuss career pathways, industry challenges, and opportunities for greater collaboration. It also raised more than £5,000 for Women’s Aid in Luton, supporting women and children living in refuge accommodation.Industry discu...

The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group has appointed two representatives from Non-ACS companies to its leadership board, expanding representation across the UK private security sector.Gemma Newman, General Manager of Newman Event Services, and Glen Tonkyn, Chief Executive Officer of Galaxon, have joined the S12 board following an application process that opened in January. The initiative was introduced to broaden the group’s leadership structure and ensure that businesses operating outside the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) are represented in industr...

Skills for Security is participating in The Security Event to emphasize the role of structured training and apprenticeships in supporting skills and competence across the fire and security sectors.With a football theme marking the World Cup, the organization's stand (4/P10), located between the fire and security sections of the show, features a dedicated area aimed at engaging installers from across the UK. The stand highlights how upskilling existing teams and recruiting apprentices can strengthen the workforce.The stand also hosts the National Qualifiers of the WorldSkills UK Electr...

As facilities management teams adapt to ongoing regulatory change, new research suggests that uncertainty around compliance and inconsistent record-keeping may be affecting lift and escalator fire safety within wider building fire strategies.In February 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became a standalone public body, separating from the Health and Safety Executive to provide more focused oversight of building safety. The change forms part of broader efforts to strengthen fire and safety standards across the built environment.Against this backdrop, research commissioned by PEW...

The Skills for Security Careers Fair will return in 2026, bringing together employers, industry organisations and individuals interested in careers across the fire and security sector.The event is scheduled for Thursday 26 March 2026 and will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Birmingham City Football Club. Following the launch of the event in 2025, the fair is intended to provide a practical forum for people exploring employment, training and apprenticeship routes within the sector.The fire and security industry continues to report challenges around skills availability, with ongoing demand ...

The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group is inviting applications from representatives of Non-ACS security companies to join its core leadership committee.The group intends to fill two Non-ACS board member positions as part of its efforts to broaden representation and strengthen engagement with government and industry stakeholders.The initiative reflects the S12’s approach to ensuring that leadership and decision-making encompass the diversity of business models operating across the UK security guarding sector.Established to work collectively with government, the Security Minis...

The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12) has confirmed a number of new appointments to its core committee, following its latest nominations process.S12 brings together senior figures from the security guarding sector to engage collectively with government, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the Security Minister. The group’s remit includes addressing key industry challenges, supporting higher professional standards, contributing to public safety, and influencing how the guarding sector is perceived.Although the most recent call for nominations initially sought two new ...

The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), in association with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), has announced the full programme for its seventh Thought Leadership Summit, which will take place on 19 February 2026.The annual Summit has become a fixture in the security sector calendar and is intended to provide a forum for discussion on current and emerging issues affecting the industry. The 2026 programme brings together speakers from across regulation, policing, research and private security to address a range of operational, policy and reputational topics.2026 Thou...