Non-ACS company representatives appointed to S12 Group

Gemma Newman (general manager of Newman Event Services) and Glen Tonkyn, CEO at Galaxon, join the S12 Board, ensuring that compliant and professional non-ACS service providers have a direct voice in shaping security industry reform and engagement with Government.

As previously reported by Security Matters, the appointments follow on from an open application process launched back in January as the S12 Group 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 Group was established to address critical industry challenges, raise professional standards and enhance public safety.

As engagement with policymakers continues to deepen, particularly so across workstreams focused on subjects including 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 forward in ensuring reforms are informed by the full breadth of operational experience.

Reflecting the sector 

Paul Fullwood, chief operating officer for the S12 Group, commented: “The introduction of non-ACS representation to the Board is about ensuring the S12 Group reflects the whole of the sector, from national providers through to smaller and agile businesses delivering specialist and regional services.”

Further, Fullwood stated: “Both Gemma and Glen have 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 the S12 Group’s 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 companies outside of the scope of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to the table and ensuring their views, challenges and opportunities are fully represented in the S12 Group’s work.

The S12 Group is now made up of representatives from five large companies (turnover in excess of £100 million), three medium companies (turnover in excess of £30 million), five small companies (turnover up to £30 million), two non-ACS businesses and one Trade Association.

Safeguarding and diversity 

Gemma Newman began her career as a security officer in 2016 before progressing through operational and administrative roles within the family business to become general manager.

Newman boasts hands-on experience across event security, Control Rooms, safeguarding and static guarding operations, already contributing towards the S12 Group’s Labour Exploitation and Diversity and Inclusion workstreams.

“I’ve seen first-hand the commitment within the S12 Group to drive positive change and being part of that has made me want to give more,” said Newman. “Safeguarding and diversity are two areas I’m deeply passionate about. Enhancing public safety sits at the heart of what the S12 Group exists to do. I believe my operational background, combined with my focus on improving processes and standards, will allow me to contribute meaningfully at Board level.”

Newman also noted: “I’m 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.”

Newman brings active involvement in industry initiatives including NOWIE and Women in Security, alongside charity and community engagement experience.

Leadership and workforce development 

Glen Tonkyn, CEO of Galaxon, leads what is an agile and 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 in order to improve service delivery.

Tonkyn said: “I’m absolutely delighted and very much looking forward to joining the team and contributing meaningfully to the S12 Group, which plays a critical role in shaping the future of the UK’s 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.”

Tonyn concluded: “By sharing practical approaches that have delivered measurable improvements, I hope to support the S12 Group in promoting scalable and sustainable solutions that raise standards across the industry.”

The duo of appointments reinforce the S12 Group’s mandate to represent the interests of the UK security guarding sector, while driving professionalism, accountability and improved public safety.

Appetite and capability 

Paul Evans, chair of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group, observed: “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.”

On that note, Evans explained: “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 aim of leaving the industry in a better place than we find it today.”

*Further information is available online at www.securityleaders.co.uk