Earlier this month, Laura Gibb, the SIA's Executive Director for Martyn's Law issued an update on the organisation's preparation for the new legislation.
In May, Gibb visited the Glade of Light memorial commemorating the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, which she described as "a beautiful tribute” that “serves as a critical reminder of why our work matters so much and why we must be relentless in our pace as we work towards Martyn’s Law coming into force".
Gibb said the SIA is making good progress recruiting inspectors and assessors and building regional inspection teams across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
Work is ongoing to develop the SIA's inspection and assessment approach with the first pilot inspections completed.
The SIA is onboarding its digital partner and starting work to build a user-focused and secure digital platform for notifications.
Members have been travelling around the UK, speaking at events and engaging with those in scope through those first pilot inspections and a series of webinars.
The latest advice for businesses and organisations is to identify whether they are in scope and to build an understanding of what compliance will look like.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 also known as Martyn’s Law is named after Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.
Home Office guidance
In April, the Home Office published new guidance to support the implementation of Martyn's Law.
The guidance sets out steps for businesses to ensure evacuation routes are in place, staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building, and staff know how to quickly communicate with their customers were an attack to occur.
For larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 people or more will be present, further actions will need to be taken. This includes having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: "Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens.
"Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public.
"I pay tribute to Figen Murray, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this landmark law into existence."
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said: "This represents another significant milestone for the Martyn’s Law campaign and will provide the clarity for venues and events within scope to begin to implement proportionate measures set out within Martyn’s Law.
"We must now ensure everyone is aware of what is required and to make public spaces more secure from the impact of a terrorist attack, so no family has to endure the lasting pain that mine and 21 others have gone through."
The government hopes that by providing practical advice and clear instructions, organisations will be empowered to take proportionate steps to protect lives and improve emergency preparedness."
The guidance highlights that those responsible for premises and events in scope can comply without needing to buy specialist or consultancy services.
It also provides advice and illustrative examples to help those with responsibilities under the legislation.
Jon Savell, Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare said: "This is legislation borne out of tragedy, and from the tenacity of people personally affected by horrific events, and we remain humbled by their drive to work with authorities to ensure what they went through won’t happen to others.
"Securing public spaces so people can enjoy events and social activities free from the fear of the enduring threat of terrorism is something Counter Terrorism Policing has long championed - the new guidance from government to help venues fulfil that legal duty is a welcomed step.
"We know that it’s not a one-size-fits all when it comes to safety; Martyn’s Law takes account of that, with different measures depending on the size and type of venue. We will continue to support the implementation of this legislation as it’s introduced."
The Regulator
As the regulator, the Security Industry Authority will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry (SIA) said: "Today is an important milestone. As the regulator of Martyn’s law, the SIA’s approach will be driven by public protection objectives. Our focus will be to ensure compliance with the requirements set out in the legislation and Home Office section 27 guidance published today.
"This guidance will enable us as the independent regulator to take decisions on whether premises and events in scope have taken the steps, they need to comply and play our part in bringing about improvements to protective security across the UK."
Meanwhile, the SIA has launched a public consultation on the section 12 guidance for Martyn's Law.
The guidance sets out how the SIA intends to carry out its role as regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
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.
The guidance sets out that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by its public protection objectives. It explains 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; and how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work.
It also includes how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents and 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.
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.
Martyn's Law is expected to come into effect in Spring 2027.
With the first tranche of guidance now available, the focus for venues and event organisers is shifting from anticipation to preparation. The Home Office’s practical advice, combined with the SIA’s emerging regulatory framework and ongoing consultation, gives responsible persons a clearer picture of what compliance will involve and how proportionate measures can be implemented without specialist support. As further operational detail and the digital notification system are rolled out, organisations have a growing foundation to begin strengthening their protective security planning ahead of Martyn’s Law coming into force in Spring 2027.
