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 industry discussions.
The S12 was formed to address key issues within the security guarding sector while working alongside government, the Security Minister and the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The group focuses on industry standards, regulatory reform and public safety.
Current workstreams include areas such as Mandatory Business Licensing, Martyn’s Law, labour exploitation, training malpractice and the SIA Business Approval Scheme. The addition of Non-ACS board members is intended to ensure that policy discussions include the operational perspectives of companies that operate outside the ACS framework.
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.”
The two new members will also lead a Non-ACS workstream focused on engaging businesses that fall outside the ACS framework, including small and medium-sized enterprises and organisations outside PSIA scope.
The S12 leadership group now includes representatives from:
- Five large companies (turnover above £100m)
- Three medium-sized companies (turnover above £30m)
- Five small companies (turnover up to £30m)
- Two Non-ACS companies
- One trade association
Safeguarding and diversity
Gemma Newman began working in the security sector in 2016 as a casual security officer and later moved into operational and administrative roles within Newman Event Services. She is currently General Manager of the business.
Her experience includes event security operations, control room management, safeguarding and static guarding. She also 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.”
She is also involved in industry initiatives including NOWIE and Women in Security, alongside community and charity activities.
Workforce development and leadership
Glen Tonkyn is Chief Executive Officer of Galaxon, a security company providing services across the UK. His work has focused on organisational governance, workforce engagement, leadership development and the use of technology to support operational 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 new appointments expand the representation within the S12 as it continues to engage with policymakers on issues affecting the security guarding sector.
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.”