IFPO UK previews detailed S12 Group panel discussion at IFPO Live 26

Conference will bring together senior representatives from the S12 Group’s key workstreams to explore how regulation, licensing and Best Practice are reshaping the future of security guarding here in the UK.

The discussion session will be chaired by Yolanda Hamblen, host of The Security Circle podcast. The panel will feature Peter Harrison, Keith Middleton, Gemma Newman and Glen Tonkyn who, between them, are involved in workstreams covering mandatory business licensing, the Security Industry Authority’s business approval scheme, data sharing, customer-buyer engagement, vetting and digital, labour exploitation, Martyn’s Law and non‑Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) sector engagement.

Together, these sector professionals represent a range of business sizes and operating models across the guarding sector, ensuring that the discussion reflects the viewpoints of both large and smaller providers as well as companies that sit outside of the ACS framework.

Licensing reform

Peter Harrison is managing director of FGH Security and deputy chair of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group. He leads the mandatory business licensing, business approval scheme, data sharing and customer-buyer engagement workstreams and serves as a deputy on the non‑ACS workstream. His focus on licensing reform and customer engagement is central to the S12 Group’s mission of raising standards and creating a more consistent and outcomes‑focused regulatory environment.

Keith Middleton (managing director at Bidvest Noonan UK) leads the vetting and digital workstream and is deputy on the Integrated Policing and Private Security workstream, reflecting the growing importance of robust personnel vetting and technology‑enabled security guarding solutions.

Middleton’s experience will help delegates at conference to understand how digital tools, data and closer alignment with policing can improve risk management, assurance and front line officer support.

Gemma Newman (general manager of Newman Event Services) is joint lead for the S12 Group’s newly launched non‑ACS workstream and deputy workstream lead for labour exploitation, ensuring that the voice of non‑ACS companies is embedded in policy discussions, while in tandem shining a spotlight on fair work and ethical supply chains.

Alongside Newman, Galaxon’s CEO Glen Tonkyn serves as joint lead for the non‑ACS workstream and as deputy on the Martyn’s Law workstream, bringing practical insight into how contract security guarding providers are preparing for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and its impact on venues and event management teams.

Regulatory changes

The panel will examine how upcoming regulatory changes – including Martyn’s Law, evolving licensing expectations and employment reforms – will affect security businesses, in‑house teams and front line officers over the next three-to-five years.

Delegates can expect a highly practical session, with panel members sharing examples from their own organisations on topics such as raising professional standards, tackling labour exploitation, integrating technology, collaborating with the police service and ensuring that both ACS and non‑ACS providers can thrive in a more demanding operating environment.

IFPO Live 26 is a free-to-attend, one‑day, in‑person conference designed to ‘level up’ security performance and careers, bringing together security business leaders, in‑house teams and front line officers to define what ‘good’ looks like when it comes to security guarding in the modern era.

Mike Hurst CPP CPOI, director of IFPO UK, believes that securing S12 Group leadership participation underlines IFPO UK’s commitment to giving officers and managers direct access to the people shaping the future of guarding.

“This panel will connect regulation, policy and day‑to‑day operations in a way that’s rarely available outside of closed Working Groups,” urged Hurst. “Delegates will form a clearer view of where the industry is heading and what they can do now to remain ahead of the curve.”

Registration process 

Registration for IFPO Live 26 is now open. Lunch and refreshments are included for all registered delegates.

Security business owners, contract managers, in‑house security leaders, front line officers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to secure their place early by visiting the IFPO UK website at www.ifpo.uk