Regulating Martyn's Law: Security Industry Authority (SIA) update

The Chief Executive of the SIA, Michelle Russell has published an update on the SIA's preparations to become the new regulator for compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (TPPA), known as 'Martyn's Law'; and how the SIA intends to approach its role as regulator. Here are the key takeaways:

• The SIA has appointed a new Executive Director who will begin their role in early January 2026.
• Over 100 operational posts will be created, ranging from guidance and outreach to compliance casework, inspections and enforcement. Inspectors will be regionally based across the UK, with most office roles located at the new SIA site in Manchester.
• The heavily anticipated Home Office statutory guidance is promised to set out, in detail, the requirements for those who will hold duties under the TPPA. This guidance is anticipated to be published in 2026.
• The SIA is drafting guidance on how their investigatory powers will be exercised, which will be ready for public consultation once the Home Office guidance is published in 2026.
• The SIA is preparing for the TPPA, and their role as regulator, to take effect in Spring 2027.
• The SIA will initially adopt an advisory role, giving standard tier premises and enhanced tier premises the opportunity to achieve compliance from the outset.
• Enforcement powers will be used 'where necessary', should non-compliance be identified.

Watch this space

DLA Piper have a wealth of experience in the area of security and anti-terrorism law, having advised clients on such matters for over 8 years, and having represented a central core participant and venue operator in the Manchester Arena bombing Public Inquiry.

DLA Piper will be keeping a watchful eye on developments but if you have any queries arising out of this article, please contact the authors or your regular DLA Piper contact.