S12 Group appoints Paul Fullwood in Chief of Staff role to drive collaboration

Fullwood’s appointment marks a significant step forward in terms of the S12 Group’s mission to strengthen industry collaboration, shape policy, elevate standards and enhance public safety. The news follows the formation period for the S12, including the completion of an industry-wide consultation survey, the establishment of 15 distinct workstreams and the opening of registrations for stakeholders to join Working Groups focused on tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges.

Fullwood joins the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group subsequent to an exemplary 37-year career in public service spanning His Majesty’s Armed Forces, the police service and, most recently, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where he occupied the role of executive director for inspection and enforcement. 

In his new role, Fullwood will serve as the central co-ordination lead for the S12 Group, providing strategic, operational and administrative support to the chair, the deputy chair, S12 members and key stakeholders. As Chief of Staff, Fullwood will oversee the workstream activities and stakeholder engagement, while also ensuring effective communication across Government departments, regulators and industry leaders.

Driving ambitions

Reflecting on the appointment, S12 Group chair Paul Evans observed: “Paul’s experience, integrity and deep understanding of the UK’s security landscape make him uniquely positioned to help drive forward the S12 Group’s ambitions. He’s very well regarded and known across all areas of the industry. This will be vital in ensuring the role achieves its required objectives.”

Echoing the chair’s remarks, S12 Group deputy chair Peter Harrison stated: “Paul’s leadership will ensure the S12 Group remains focused, transparent and effective as we continue shaping the future of the industry together.”

Fullwood’s distinguished background includes serving as Assistant Chief Constable (Specialist Policing Services) for the tri-party Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire constabularies, where he led on major crime, counter-terrorism, armed policing, public order and emergency response functions.

During his tenure, Fullwood was also the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for complex and sensitive crime investigations, advising senior law enforcement leaders and overseeing nationally significant cases.

At the SIA, Fullwood spearheaded major national operations and initiatives including Operation Empower (focused on labour exploitation) and Operation Benchmark (training malpractice), while advising the Home Office on regulatory and safeguarding policy, mandatory business licensing and Martyn’s Law.

Transformative moment

Speaking on his appointment, Paul Fullwood explained: “I’m honoured to join the S12 Group as Chief of Staff at such a transformative moment for the private security industry. With collaboration and inclusion at the heart of our mission, I look forward to supporting our members and partners as we drive meaningful change, elevate standards and strengthen public safety across the UK.”

As Chief of Staff, Fullwood will play a key role in ensuring effective communication, consistency, transparency and accountability across all S12 Group initiatives. His central involvement will ensure strategic objectives progress into tangible and measurable outcomes.

The S12 Group continues to invite industry professionals, organisations and stakeholders to join established Working Groups and help address the industry challenges that matter most to them. These Working Groups will drive critical engagements with the Security Minister, the Home Office and the SIA throughout 2026. Online registrations remain open at securityleaders.co.uk/workstreams/