The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has outlined its regulatory role under the impending Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly referred to as Martyn's Law.
With the law anticipated to be enacted by Spring 2027, it aims to enhance the safety of public spaces and events by mandating that certain larger venues implement measures to diminish vulnerability to terrorist threats. This regulation is named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the tragic Manchester Arena attack. Figen Murray OBE has been instrumental in campaigning for this law.
Regulatory approach and powers
The SIA has released draft section 12 guidance detailing its plans to regulate under Martyn's Law, adopting a supportive, proportionate, and risk-based approach.
Key aspects of this guidance include how the SIA intends to execute its regulatory duties with an emphasis on public protection objectives, offer guidance to help premises with the compliance process, and address specific compliance concerns with tailored advice. Furthermore, the guidance elaborates on the SIA's procedures for obtaining and sharing information, conducting inspections, and managing non-compliance, including the potential use of enforcement measures and financial penalties.
Guidance and practical information
Alongside the SIA's draft guidance, the Home Office has issued its final section 27 statutory guidance
Alongside the SIA's draft guidance, the Home Office has issued its final section 27 statutory guidance, which details the requirements for premises and event organisers.
The SIA's section 12 guidance supplements this by clarifying how the regulator plans to oversee compliance. Additional operational guidance will be published by the SIA, including details on notifying the SIA about compliance with Martyn's Law once an online notification system is operational.
Consultation and Engagement
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn's Law at the SIA, encouraged stakeholders to partake in the consultation process.
"This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027," she stated. The consultation will remain open until 23:59 on Friday, 12 June, and participation can be completed through the SIA’s consultation webpage.
Legislation and implementation
The SIA has made its draft guidance available, which is structured to be understood independently
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 was granted Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Home Office has indicated a minimum 24-month implementation period, with the commencement date to be decided by Parliament. The SIA has made its draft guidance available, which is structured to be understood independently from the legislation itself. This consultation does not seek feedback on the legislation’s wording, which is final as per parliamentary agreement.
The consultation will likely interest those responsible for premises and events within the scope of Martyn’s Law, individuals and organisations advising or supporting these venues, and others with designated responsibilities under the new law.
Additionally, those with an interest in protective security and regulation, as well as the general public, may find the information pertinent. It is important to note that this guidance specifically focuses on the SIA's role under Martyn's Law and does not address SIA functions under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The guidance sets out how the SIA intends to carry out its role as regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law. The new law is expected to come into force in Spring 2027.
Martyn’s Law—named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack—aims to keep people safe by ensuring that publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared and protected in the event of an attack. It also requires certain larger premises to take appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability to a potential terrorist attack. The new law follows extensive campaigning by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE.
Risk based approach
The SIA’s draft section 12 guidance explains how the regulator plans to operate and use its powers, taking a supportive, proportionate and risk-based approach. It sets out:
- that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven its public protection objectives
- how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law
- when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns
- how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work
- how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents
- how the SIA will address non-compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set
Further practical information
The SIA’s draft guidance is being published alongside the Home Office’s final section 27 statutory guidance, also released today. The Home Office’s section 27 guidance—not part of the SIA’s consultation—explains what those responsible for premises and events must do to comply with the Act. The SIA’s section 12 guidance complements this by setting out how the regulator intends to oversee and support compliance.
The SIA intends to publish further practical information about its operational processes, including how and when responsible persons should notify the SIA that they are in scope of Martyn’s Law, which is one of the Act’s requirements, once its online notification system has been built, nearer to commencement.
Make compliance decisions
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027.”
"We would like your views on the elements of the SIA’s guidance that set out our intended approach and how we propose to operate against the framework set out in the legislation. We would also welcome views on whether the guidance is understandable and easy to follow. Please tell us what you think. We need your input to make sure it is as clear as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.” The consultation will close at 23:59 on Friday 12 June. To take part, please visit the SIA’s consultation webpage.
Cover consultation paper
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Home Office has confirmed there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months. The Home Office will confirm the exact date of commencement of Martyn’s Law via Parliament.
- The SIA’s consultation webpage contains both the draft guidance and a cover consultation paper which highlights the key aspects in the guidance on which the SIA are seeking views.
- The draft section 12 guidance is designed to be read without needing to refer to the legislation.
- Some of the content of the guidance is determined by the wording of the Act, which has been agreed by Parliament and is final. They are not inviting views on the Act in this consultation.
Designated senior individuals
The consultation is likely to be of interest to:
- organisations and people responsible for premises and events that will be in scope of Martyn’s Law
- those who will be supporting or advising them
- others who may have responsibilities under the new law, including the persons designated senior individuals and those who may have a duty to co-operate with premises and events in scope
- those with a wider interest in protective security or regulation
- the public.
The draft section 12 guidance is specifically about the SIA’s role under Martyn’s Law and so does not cover the SIA’s functions and powers under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
