SIA asks event professionals to help shape its Martyn's Law systems

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) — the regulator for Martyn's Law — has put out a call for event professionals to take part in user research. This is part of its work to design the systems and processes that will sit behind the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The invitation was reported by StandOut Magazine. User research means the SIA talks to real users to understand how the eventual notification and support tools should work in practice.

The duties under Martyn's Law are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The SIA's notification process is not live yet either. This research is a sign the regulator is building those systems now, and wants input from the people who will use them — including event organisers, hall managers and others who run gatherings.

Taking part gives operators a chance to flag what would make the future process clearer and easier to follow. The more the SIA hears from smaller venues and volunteer-run spaces, the better the eventual tools are likely to fit real-world settings, rather than only large professional operations.

If you run events and want to contribute, look out for the SIA's user research call through official channels. There is no duty to take part, and no action is required under the law yet. For most venues, the sensible step remains the same: keep familiarising yourself with the two tiers — standard for 200 to 799 people, enhanced for 800 or more — and use this lead time to prepare calmly.