The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK) has confirmed that members of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group will lead a 90-minute panel session at IFPO LIVE 26, scheduled for 2 July 2026 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The discussion will form part of the organisation’s annual national conference and will focus on developments affecting the UK private security sector, including regulation, licensing frameworks and evolving operational standards within security guarding.
The panel will be chaired by Yolanda Hamblen, Host of the multi award-winning podcast The Security Circle. Speakers will include Peter Harrison, Keith Middleton, Gemma Newman and Glen Tonkyn. Between them, they are involved in S12 workstreams covering Mandatory Business Licensing (MBL), the SIA’s Business Approval Scheme (BAS), data sharing, customer and buyer engagement, vetting and digital, labour exploitation, Martyn’s Law and Non-ACS sector engagement. The group represents a mix of business sizes and operating models, including both ACS and Non-ACS providers.
Peter Harrison, deputy chair of S12, leads the MBL, BAS, Data Sharing and Customer Buyer/Engagement workstream and is also deputy on the Non-ACS workstream. His focus is on licensing reform and engagement with customers and buyers.
Keith Middleton leads the Vetting and Digital workstream and is deputy on the Integrated Policing and Private Security (IPPS) workstream. His remit includes personnel vetting, digital systems and data use within security operations.
Gemma Newman is joint lead for S12’s Non-ACS workstream and deputy lead for Labour Exploitation, focusing on representation of non-ACS companies alongside issues around fair work practices and supply chain standards.
Glen 
Tonkyn is also joint lead for the Non-ACS workstream and deputy on the Martyn’s Law workstream, with a focus on how contract security providers are preparing for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
The discussion will consider the impact of forthcoming regulatory developments, including Martyn’s Law, changes in licensing frameworks and employment-related reforms. It will also address how these changes may affect security businesses, in-house teams and frontline officers over the next three to five years.
IFPO LIVE 26 is a free, in-person conference aimed at security professionals across all levels, including business leaders, in-house security managers and frontline officers. The event is designed to focus on professional development and standards within the guarding sector, and will take place at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Mike Hurst CPP CPOI, Director of IFPO UK, said that the inclusion of S12 leadership reflects the organisation’s aim of connecting operational practice with policy development. “This panel will connect regulation, policy and day-to-day operations in a way that is rarely available outside closed working groups. Delegates will come away with a clearer view of where the industry is heading – and what they can do now to get ahead of the curve.”