SIA sets out support and notification plans ahead of Martyn’s Law

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has provided an update on its preparations for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, setting out how it will support organisations in determining whether they fall within scope and preparing for their future notification obligations.

Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is expected to come into force in spring 2027. The SIA will be responsible for regulating compliance with the legislation.

The SIA says its immediate focus is on making sure organisations have practical support available before the legislation takes effect. Existing flowcharts on ProtectUK and Home Office guidance are intended to help organisations establish whether their premises or events are within scope.

An online scope tool is also being developed to help organisations make this assessment. The SIA expects the tool to be available in the new year and is currently seeking volunteers to test it before it is released more widely.

The SIA is also developing a series of templates to help organisations prepare for their obligations. These will cover public protection procedures for standard-tier premises and the additional protective security requirements applying to enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events. Use of the templates will not be compulsory.

A key part of the preparations is the development of the SIA’s notification system. Organisations within scope will ultimately have to provide specified information to the SIA. The regulator says the online notification portal is being designed to be straightforward and secure, while accommodating organisations ranging from individual small premises to businesses operating large portfolios.

Testing of the notification system will take place with volunteers over the coming months, with wider testing expected as implementation approaches. The SIA is also continuing pilot assessments and inspections to test how it will regulate the new requirements in practice. A second round of pilot activity is due to begin this autumn.

The SIA is encouraging potentially affected organisations to start preparing now, particularly by reviewing the Home Office guidance and establishing whether their premises or events are likely to fall within the legislation.