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The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group has welcomed two senior leaders from Non-ACS companies to its core leadership committee, further strengthening representation across the UK private security sector.
Gemma Newman, General Manager of Newman Event Services, and Glen Tonkyn, Chief Executive Officer of Galaxon, join the S12 board, ensuring that compliant, professional Non-ACS providers have a direct voice in shaping industry reform and engagement with government.
The appointments follow an open application process launched in January, as the S12 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 was established to address critical industry challenges, raise professional standards and enhance public safety.
As engagement with policymakers continues to deepen, particularly across workstreams such as 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 in ensuring reforms are informed by the full breadth of operational experience.
Newman began her career as a casual security officer in 2016 before progressing through operational and administrative roles within her family business to become General Manager. She has hands-on experience across event security, control rooms, safeguarding and static guarding operations, and already contributes to the S12’s Labour Exploitation and Diversity & Inclusion workstreams. She also brings active involvement in industry initiatives including NOWIE and Women in Security, alongside charity and community engagement experience.
Newman 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.”
Glen Tonkyn, CEO of Galaxon, leads an agile, 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 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.
“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.”
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.”
To support these aims, Newman and Tonkyn will lead a dedicated Non-ACS workstream, which will be solely focused on bringing people from Non-ACS, SMEs and businesses outside PSIA scope to the table, to ensure their views, challenges and opportunities are fully represented in the S12’s work.
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.”
