Private security businesses question ministerial position as controversy mounts over S12

Growing concerns are emerging across the UK private security sector regarding the newly formed ‘S12’ security leadership group, which critics argue prioritises the interests of large multinational corporations at the expense of smaller operators, while raising serious questions about Minister Dan Jarvis’ positioning and involvement.

The S12 Group was established as an interface into the security sector for Security Minister Dan Jarvis. It was nominally intended to engage a cross-representation of the sector, but its makeup and process have been received poorly by SMEs and wider industry figures, with many warning it fails to reflect the true breadth of the sector.

From the beginning, the process has been poorly designed and exclusionary, following a series of changes throughout the process and a limited number within the industry understanding that it was being formed. 

Only 740 Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) companies were permitted to nominate or vote people onto the group, despite there being over 12,000 security businesses across the UK. While ACS firms may nominate non-ACS businesses, this has been widely dismissed as tokenistic. Industry figures argue that over 90% of businesses have effectively been locked out of shaping S12, undermining its credibility and legitimacy.

Critics also point to the confusing and opaque way decisions have been made. Priorities such as vetting as part of the group’s initial areas of focus were communicated before S12 was even formally established, leaving many to believe the process was stage-managed in favour of a narrow set of corporate interests.

It speaks volumes that only four businesses generating over £30 million in turnover applied. With around 90 votes cast for nominees across the categories, this truly highlights the level of engagement within the sector—particularly among the 740+ ACS businesses who were able to vote for their nominees.

A letter from SMEs sent to Minister Jarvis has reportedly been met with a commitment from civil servants that he would be briefed, offering limited or no meaningful recognition of the concerns or narrative raised by the sector. 

Satia Rai, CEO, IPSA, said: “S12 must operate with trust, collaboration, and fair representation at its core. Yet its current formation risks undermining these principles. SMEs are the backbone of the private security industry, yet they have been largely excluded from meaningful engagement. This is neither fair nor sustainable.

Any credible industry structure must be transparent and genuinely representative — not dominated by the interests of a small number of large ACS businesses. The accelerated timeline and lack of consultation raise serious questions about S12’s governance, legitimacy, and long-term viability.

The suggestion of ministerial support, without clear communication or engagement with SMEs, has further eroded confidence. At a time when unity and trust are essential, such an approach risks deepening divisions across the sector.

“We urge the Minister’s office to provide immediate clarity and to commit to an open, inclusive process that is representative of the sector, not just a privileged few. The future of our industry must be shaped collectively, through transparency and accountability.”

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