-optimized.jpg){kind=avatar}
The UK arm of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK) has confirmed that members from the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group will take part in a 90โminute panel discussion at IFPO LIVE 26.
That’s the membership group’s annual national conference running on Thursday, July 2, at the Coventry Building Society Arena, pictured; off junction 3 of the M6. The session will bring together organisers of S12โs key workstreams to explore how regulation, licensing and best practice are reshaping UK security guarding.
The session will be chaired by Yolanda Hamblen and will feature Peter Harrison, Keith Middleton, Gemma Newman and Glen Tonkyn. Between them they are involved in workstreams covering Mandatory Business Licensing (MBL), the SIAโs Business Approval Scheme (BAS), data sharing, customer and buyer engagement, vetting and digital, labour exploitation, Martynโs Law and NonโACS (approved contractor scheme) sector engagement. Together they represent a range of business sizes and operating models across the guarding sector, so that the discussion, say event organisers, reflects large and smaller providers as well as companies outside the ACS framework.
About the speakers
Peter Harrison, deputy chair of S12, is a founder of the guarding and stewarding contractor FGH Security. He leads the MBL, BAS, Data Sharing and Customer Buyer/Engagement workstream and serves as a deputy on the NonโACS workstream. Keith Middleton leads the Vetting and Digital workstream and is deputy on the Integrated Policing and Private Security (IPPS) workstream, reflecting the growing importance of robust personnel vetting and technologyโenabled guarding solutions. His experience will help delegates understand how digital tools, data and closer alignment with policing can improve risk management, assurance and frontline officer support.
Gemma Newman is joint lead for S12โs newly launched NonโACS workstream and deputy workstream lead for Labour Exploitation, ensuring that the voice of nonโACS companies is embedded in policy discussions while shining a spotlight on fair work and ethical supply chains. Alongside her, Glen Tonkynย serves as joint lead for the NonโACS workstream and as deputy on the Martynโs Law workstream, bringing practical insight into how contract guarding providers are preparing for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and its impact on venues and events.
The panel will examine how upcoming regulatory changes, including Martynโs Law, evolving licensing expectations and employment reforms, will affect security businesses, inโhouse teams and front-line officers. Panellists are due to share examples from their own organisations on topics such as raising professional standards, tackling labour exploitation, integrating technology, collaborating with police and ensuring that ACS and NonโACS providers can thrive.
About IFPO LIVE 26
It’s a free, oneโday, inโperson conference offering presentations, interactive sessions and networking. Mike Hurst CPP CPOI, Director of IFPO UK, said: โThis panel will connect regulation, policy and dayโtoโday operations in a way that is rarely available outside closed working groups. Delegates will come away with a clearer view of where the industry is heading โ and what they can do now to get ahead of the curve.โ
Registration for the day is now open and free to attend, with lunch included for all registered delegates. Security business owners, contract managers, inโhouse security leaders, frontline officers and industry stakeholders can book their place via the IFPO UK website at www.ifpo.uk.
ย
Event in brief
- Event: IFPO LIVE 26 โ IFPO UK Annual Conference
- Date: 2 July 2026
- Time: Fullโday conference (S12 panel: 90 minutes โ time to be confirmed)
- Venue: Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry
- Cost: Free to attend (lunch included)
- Registration – https://ifpo.uk/ifpo-live-2026/.
