Martyn's Law round-up: the regulator takes shape and guidance lands

Several updates focus on the Security Industry Authority and what it will do once Martyn's Law is in force. The SIA is confirmed as the regulator for the new regime, with material setting out how that role will work in practice. A leadership update names Debbie Bartlett OBE in connection with this work. For venues, the key point is steady: the SIA's notification process is not yet live, so there is nothing to register or submit today. This is a good moment to learn who the regulator is and how it intends to operate, so you are not starting cold later.

Official guidance has been published to help businesses understand the Act and start preparing. Alongside this, the SIA has launched a consultation on its section 12 guidance. A consultation means the detail is still being worked through, so treat current material as a direction of travel rather than the final word. If your organisation has a view, this is a chance to take part and help shape what the guidance says. Reading the published material now will help you understand the language and expectations before anything becomes settled.

There is also a reminder of the basics: the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. It sets two tiers. The standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time. The enhanced tier covers 800 or more. Both counts include staff. Knowing which tier your venue is likely to fall into is a sensible early step in getting ready.

One update looks ahead to next steps and how organisations can engage with the process as it develops. The clear theme across all of this week's material is preparation, not panic. The duties are not in force yet, and commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed. That gives venues time to familiarise themselves, follow the guidance as it firms up, and build readiness at a calm pace. This round-up is preparation information and not a substitute for professional advice on your own circumstances.

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law and the SIA's role as regulator https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/martyns-law-and-the-sias-role-as-regulator

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: what comes next and how to get involved https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-what-comes-next-and-how-to-get-involved

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: the SIA's new regulatory role https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/martyns-law-the-sias-new-regulatory-role

GOV.UK: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law: guidance, consultation and progress https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-guidance-consultation-and-progress

GOV.UK: Debbie Bartlett OBE https://www.gov.uk/government/people/debbie-bartlett

GOV.UK: Martyn's Law guidance published to help businesses https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-guidance-published-to-help-businesses

GOV.UK: SIA launches consultation on section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sia-launches-consultation-on-section-12-guidance-for-martyns-law