The S12 Security Guarding Industry Leadership Group has announced the appointment of Paul Fullwood as its new Chief of Staff, reflecting a commitment to enhancing industry collaboration, shaping policy, elevating standards, and boosting public safety.
This development comes after the S12's formation phase, which featured a comprehensive industry consultation survey, the creation of 15 distinct workstreams, and the initiation of stakeholder registrations for groups targeting key sector challenges.
Paul Fullwood's distinguished career
Paul Fullwood enters his role at S12 following an impressive 37-year tenure in public service, including positions with the HM Armed Forces, the UK Police Service, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where he held the position of Executive Director for Inspection and Enforcement.
Paul Fullwood enters his role at S12 following an impressive 37-year tenure in public service
In his new capacity, Paul will act as the central coordination lead for the S12, offering strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Chair, Deputy, S12 members, and crucial stakeholders.
His responsibilities as Chief of Staff will encompass guiding workstream activities, managing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring seamless communication between government departments, regulators, and industry figures.
Impact on industry's future
Paul Evans, the Chair of S12, commented, “Paul’s experience, integrity, and deep understanding of the UK’s security landscape make him uniquely positioned to help drive forward the S12’s ambitions. He is very well regarded and known across all areas of the industry, and this will be vital in ensuring the role achieves its required objectives.”
Deputy Chair Peter Harrison added, “His leadership will ensure the group remains focused, transparent, and effective as we continue shaping the future of the industry together.”
Background in policing and security
With a background as Assistant Chief Constable for Specialist Policing Services across the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire constabularies, Paul has led major crime, counter-terrorism, armed policing, and public order functions.
Paul has led major crime, counter-terrorism, armed policing, and public order functions
He also served as the National Policing Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for complex and sensitive crime investigations, advising senior law enforcement and overseeing significant national cases.
At the SIA, Paul led pivotal national operations such as Operation Empower (targeting labour exploitation) and Operation Benchmark (addressing training malpractice), while also consulting the Home Office on policy matters, including mandatory business licencing and Martyn’s Law.
Paul Fullwood's vision for S12
On his new role, Paul Fullwood shared, “I’m honoured to join the S12 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, his focus will be on ensuring communication, consistency, transparency, and accountability throughout S12 initiatives, translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes.
Engaging the security community
The S12 is actively encouraging industry professionals, organisations, and stakeholders to participate in established working groups to tackle prominent industry challenges.
These groups will engage in significant dialogues with the Security Minister, the Home Office, and the SIA through 2026.
The S12 Security Guarding Industry Leadership Group has announced the appointment of Paul Fullwood as its Chief of Staff, marking a significant step forward in the group’s mission to strengthen industry collaboration, shape policy, elevate standards and enhance public safety.
The appointment 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.
Prior roles of Paul
Paul joins the S12 after an exemplary 37-year career in public service, spanning the HM Armed Forces, the UK Police Service, and most recently, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where he served as Executive Director for Inspection and Enforcement.
In his new role, Paul will serve as the central coordination lead for the S12, providing strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Chair, Deputy, S12 members and key stakeholders. As Chief of Staff, he will oversee the workstream activities, stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective communication across government departments, regulators, and industry leaders.
Shaping the future of the industry
Reflecting on the appointment, S12 Chair Paul Evans said: “Paul’s experience, integrity, and deep understanding of the UK’s security landscape make him uniquely positioned to help drive forward the S12’s ambitions. He is very well regarded and known across all areas of the industry, and this will be vital in ensuring the role achieves its required objectives.”
Echoing the Chair’s remarks, S12 Deputy Chair Peter Harrison said: “His leadership will ensure the group remains focused, transparent, and effective as we continue shaping the future of the industry together.”
Paul’s distinguished background
Paul’s distinguished background includes serving as Assistant Chief Constable (Specialist Policing Services) for the tri-party Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire constabularies, where he led major crime, counter terrorism, armed policing, public order, and emergency response functions.
During his tenure, he was also the National Policing Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for complex and sensitive crime investigations, advising senior law enforcement leaders and overseeing nationally significant cases.
Paul's national operations and initiatives
At the SIA, Paul spearheaded major national operations and initiatives including Operation Empower (labour exploitation) and Operation Benchmark (training malpractice) while advising the Home Office on regulatory and safeguarding policy, mandatory business licencing, and Martyn’s Law.
Speaking on his appointment, Paul Fullwood said: “I’m honoured to join the S12 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.”
Paul's key role in ensuring effective communication
As Chief of Staff, Paul will play a key role in ensuring effective communication, consistency, transparency and accountability across all S12 initiatives. His central involvement will ensure strategic objectives progress into tangible and measurable outcomes.
The S12 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.
