The S12 Security Guarding Industry Leadership Group has appointed Paul Fullwood as its new Chief of Staff, a role crucial to the organization's commitment to fostering industry collaboration, forming policies, improving standards, and promoting public safety.
The appointment follows a formative phase for the S12 that included a comprehensive industry survey, the initiation of 15 specialized workstreams, and the invitation for stakeholders to join working groups focused on addressing key sector challenges.
Paul Fullwood’s Extensive Background
Paul Fullwood transitions to S12 after a distinguished 37-year tenure in public service. His career highlights include serving in the HM Armed Forces, UK Police Service, and notably as the Executive Director for Inspection and Enforcement at the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Fullwood will provide strategic, operational, and executive support to the S12 Chair, Deputy, and members
In his new capacity as Chief of Staff, Fullwood will provide strategic, operational, and administrative support to the S12 Chair, Deputy, members, and key stakeholders.
His responsibilities include overseeing workstream activities, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring seamless communication with government bodies, regulators, and industry leaders.
Industry Leaders Affirm New Appointment
Paul Evans, Chair of S12, commented on Fullwood's appointment, stating, "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.”
Peter Harrison, Deputy Chair of S12, added, "His leadership will ensure the group remains focused, transparent, and effective as we continue shaping the future of the industry together."
Leadership in Policing and Security Initiatives
Fullwood's career also includes serving as the Assistant Chief Constable for Specialist Policing Services
Fullwood's career also includes serving as the Assistant Chief Constable for Specialist Policing Services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire, overseeing areas such as major crime, counterterrorism, and emergency response.
He was also the National Policing Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for complex crime investigations. At the SIA, he led key national operations, including initiatives focused on combatting labor exploitation and addressing training malpractice, while providing advice on regulatory and safeguarding policies.
Paul Fullwood's Vision for S12
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Fullwood said, "I’m honored 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.”
Invitation to Join Working Groups
In his pivotal role, Fullwood will ensure the effectiveness of communication, consistency, transparency, and accountability across S12's initiatives.
The S12 encourages industry professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to join its established working groups to address significant industry challenges. These groups will engage 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 (labor exploitation) and Operation Benchmark (training malpractice) while advising the Home Office on regulatory and safeguarding policy, mandatory business licensing, and Martyn’s Law.
Speaking on his appointment, Paul Fullwood said: “I’m honored 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, organizations, 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.
