The Journey of the SIA: From Licensing to Martyn’s Law 15 December 2025

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is preparing for its expanded regulatory responsibilities under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law). Its strategy prioritises capacity building and an advisory-first approach before enforcement begins.

Key adaptions and actions by the SIA include:

Remit Expansion

The SIA’s role since formation focused on licensing individual security personnel and approving contractors. Under Martyn’s Law, its remit now extends to regulating the safety and security preparedness of qualifying public premises and events.

New Organisational Structure

The SIA is creating a dedicated Martyn’s Law team with over 100 new operational posts, including regionally based inspectors and office roles in a new Manchester hub. A new Executive Director for this programme will start in early 2026.

Advisory First Approach

The SIA will initially guide duty holders in mapping out compliance pathways. During this early phase, penalties for non-compliance are not expected, giving venues time to “get compliance right first”.

Enforcement Powers

While the initial approach is advisory, the SIA is developing its investigatory powers and will use a range of enforcement actions. Examples include compliance notices and financial penalties.

Financial penalties

• Standard tier: up to £10,000.
• Enhanced tier: up to £18 million for major breaches.

Guidance Development

The SIA is actively working on its statutory guidance for Martyn’s Law which will be consulted on after Home Office requirements are published in 2026.

Funding and Systems

The new regulatory function is being funded by separate Home Office grant funding, avoiding impact on security fees. The SIA is also building new digital casework systems to manage compliance monitoring effectively.

Raising Standards for Personnel

Away from Martyn’s Law, the SIA is reviewing security licence qualifications to ensure licensed operatives have the necessary safety-critical skills, including updated counter-terrorism content and physical intervention techniques, to meet evolving demands.

The full regulatory framework is expected to take effect in Spring 2027, allowing time for the SIA to establish its functions and for duty holders to prepare for the new legal requirements. Businesses can find free advice on protective security on the ProtectUK website and the National Protective Security Authority.