S12 Group created to “drive change and representation” in security guarding

S12 brings together a diverse team of elected leaders from across the security industry. Serving as chair is Paul Evans (CEO at Carlisle Security), while Peter Harrison (founder and managing director of FGH Security) takes on the role of deputy chair.

Additional members of the S12 Group include Gary Culloden (managing director for security at Mitie), Tim Kendall (president of G4S Secure Solutions in the UK and Ireland), Rachel Fleri (managing director of Specialist Security), Ahmad Rafique (CEO at SSG Support Services), Claire Shrosbree (CEO of CYS Security), Alex Booth (managing director at AURA UK Services), Paul Howe (managing director for Venture Security Management) and John MacAskill MSyI, director of security and export at the British Security Industry Association. The member nomination process closed on 22 September.

David Ward MBE CSyP FSyI (founder of the City Security Council) and Richard Fogelman (CEO at the National Security Inspectorate) have agreed to take on observation and governance roles.

Members of S12, then, range from representatives of the largest national providers through to small and medium-sized independent firms. Each member is a senior security executive and will serve a minimum two-year term within the Security Guarding Leadership Group.

Inaugural gathering 

The first meeting of the S12 took place on 1 October at London’s Olympia during the 2025 edition of the International Security Expo, organised by the Nineteen Group. There was an address by Security Minister Dan Jarvis MBE.

Going forward, the Group will regularly engage with Jarvis, representatives of the Homeland Security operation at the Home Office and also representatives from the Security Industry Authority. The core aim is to drive the highest professional standards, drawing on industry-wide data and insights from Trade Associations and support the establishment of the Security Skills Academy.

Each S12 member will lead on at least one industry initiative and seek to create enlarged sub-Working Groups. Transparent records of all objectives and actions will be accessible on the new S12 website at www.securityleaders.co.uk

During his speech at the International Security Expo, Dan Jarvis said: “I’m very pleased to announce the formation of the S12, a new industry-led initiative designed to bring together various parts of the private security industry and speak to Government with one voice.”

Jarvis added: “Earlier this morning, we had a good and constructive meeting with the elected leaders who make up the S12. I was able to listen to what they had to say about how we can organise to improve standards within the security industry. I’m keen for the Government and the Security Industry Authority to work closely with S12’s representatives.”

Representation, accountability and action

Paul Evans responded: “The S12 Group has been built on the principles of inclusive representation, accountability and action. We recognise this is a critical time for our industry and the sense of collaboration has never felt stronger. In the face of rising threat levels, it’s unfortunate that there are still reports of malpractice and shortcuts being taken, which simply will not stand up against new legislation.”

Evans concluded: “A core part of our mission is to equip security professionals with tools and training that reflect the changing landscape. We want to improve standards and further enhance public protection. With the support of the Security Minister, we look forward to nurturing a lasting difference and making the country a safer place for all.”

The S12 members will meet on a monthly basis and act as a representative voice of the security guarding industry.

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

**Read Dan Jarvis’ speech delivered at International Security Expo 2025 in full on GOV.UK