SIA prepares to publish draft Section 12 guidance as Martyn’s Law marks one year since Royal Assent

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has confirmed that draft statutory guidance for Section 12 of Martyn’s Law is in its final stages and will soon be released for public consultation, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s evolving counter‑terrorism framework.

Key elements of the forthcoming guidance include:

1. A targeted, risk‑based regulatory approach

• The SIA will prioritise proportionate enforcement, focusing on risk, context, and the seriousness of non‑compliance.
• Guidance will clarify when the SIA may offer advice, request information, or escalate to formal enforcement action.

2. How inspections and information‑gathering will work

• The document will outline the SIA’s powers to obtain information, conduct inspections, and use intelligence to support compliance activity.

3. Financial penalties and transparency

• The guidance will explain how financial penalties will be calculated and in what circumstances the SIA may publish compliance‑related information.

4. Alignment with Home Office Section 27 guidance

• The SIA’s Section 12 guidance will be published alongside the Home Office’s Section 27 guidance, which sets out what premises and events must do to comply with Martyn’s Law.
• More practical, operational guidance from the SIA will follow later in the year, once the new digital notification system is built.

The announcement coincides with the first anniversary of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 receiving Royal Assent, a moment the SIA describes as both reflective and forward‑looking.

In a statement marking the anniversary, SIA Chief Executive Michelle Russell emphasised the historic importance of Martyn’s Law, which for the first time places legal duties on premises and events to deter, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. She highlighted the SIA’s work with the Home Office and partners over the past year to build the foundations of a credible and effective regulatory regime.

Russell reiterated the SIA’s commitment to being a “supportive and proportionate” regulator while also prepared to enforce compliance where necessary. The coming year, she said, will see the SIA expand its operational presence, recruit specialist teams, and launch a dedicated online notification portal for venues and events.

Both updates pay tribute to Figen Murray OBE, whose campaigning following the Manchester Arena attack has been central to the creation of Martyn’s Law. Gibb described Murray’s persistence as “a powerful expression of her love for Martyn,” noting that her advocacy continues to shape the law’s implementation.