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This week in Martyn's Law: the SIA finds its feet as regulator

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The Security Industry Authority is settling into its new role, fresh government material is out to explain what comes next, and a consultation on statutory guidance has opened. Here is what venue operators should note.

The SIA as regulator

Several updates this week confirm the Security Industry Authority's role as the regulator for Martyn's Law. New material from the government sets out what the SIA will be responsible for and how it expects to work with premises. It is worth getting familiar with the SIA now, since this is the body venues will deal with once the duties are in force. The notification process is not yet live, so there is nothing to register today. Senior appointments, including Debbie Bartlett OBE, also point to the team being built up to support this work. For operators, the practical takeaway is simple: start watching the SIA as your main point of contact, and treat this period as time to prepare rather than act.

Guidance and the section 12 consultation

The government has published guidance aimed at helping businesses understand the Act, and the SIA has opened a consultation on its section 12 guidance. A consultation means the wording is not final, so this is a chance to read the draft and, if you wish, feed in views before it is settled. Published guidance is helpful for building a clearer picture of what standard and enhanced premises may need to consider, but it is background reading to support your own preparation, not a checklist you must complete now. Take it as an invitation to familiarise yourself, not a signal that anything is enforceable yet.

What comes next and how to get involved

One of the updates focuses on the road ahead and how organisations can take part. This is a useful reminder that the framework is still being shaped through consultation and guidance. Engaging now — reading the material, following the SIA, and noting where consultations open — is a low-cost way to stay informed and shape your own readiness plans.

The timeline

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, and the enhanced tier covers 800 or more, with staff included in the count. Use the time between now and commencement to familiarise yourself and prepare calmly. There is no deadline to meet today and nothing to fear in these updates — only useful signposts for getting ready.

Sources

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

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What this is — and what it is not

martynslaw.app is a preparation and document-management tool. It is not legal advice, not official guidance, not official certification, not SIA approval and not a guarantee of compliance. The responsible person must review and approve all documents before use.

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