Laura Gibb, the SIA's Executive Director for Martyn's Law, updates on progress.
As we move into the second half of 2026, we draw closer to the commencement of Martyn's Law. This update sets out the preparation work underway and what premises and events in scope of the act can do ahead of the act coming in to force.
Help us to get it right
Our preparatory work is well underway as we carry out pilot inspections and build a user-focused and secure digital platform for notifications.
What's clear is that the new system we build needs to support and be as easy as possible for the regulated community to use. We cannot - and will not - develop our approach on our own.
With this in mind, we need your help as we test and develop the critical parts of our regulatory model and approach. Over the coming months there will be opportunities to do one or more of the following ahead of commencement:
- help test the digital platform
- feed back on the regulatory guidance products we create
- host pilot inspections
Taking part in feedback will give you an opportunity to shape the way Martyn's Law looks, help us ensure what we say and create works for different types and sizes of venues, and may help you in your own preparations.
Please sign up to our mailing list if you're interested in getting involved. We are particularly interested in those from places of worship, volunteer-run community centres, festivals and one-off events.
How to prepare
We know many people and organisations at premises and events across the UK are planning for how they will become compliant ahead of spring next year. At every event we attend, we hear of the efforts many events and premises are making to prepare and the sensible questions people are asking about how to prepare.
The two key questions for people to be asking now must be: am I in scope and, if I am, what is required - what do I need to do to get ready?
The Home Office Section 27 guidance is the authoritative source of guidance on what premises and events are in scope, and what they have to do. There are helpful flowcharts on ProtectUK , which also provides free advice, guidance and learning to help organisations and communities improve their response to the risk of terrorism. ProtectUK also has useful free training to help you think about protective security generally.
Role of blue light services
It's not just the regulated communities for whom Martyn's Law will have a significant impact.
I was honoured to speak to leaders and frontline professionals from policing, fire and rescue, ambulance services, and public safety organisations at the Blue Light Show last week in London. I was impressed by their focus on, and enthusiasm for, Martyn's Law.
Emergency services will be important partners for us, helping us to engage effectively with the public, and to build the picture of what's happening on the ground that will inform our priorities.
There is a role for all of us to play and we will have the biggest impact on public safety if we work together.
Role of the private security sector
Also represented at the Blue Light Show were those working for private security companies. And as organisations start to work out what achieving compliance looks like for their premises or event, many are asking about the role of the private security industry.
Martyn's Law was consciously designed to improve standards and consistency but not place an excessive burden on those who fall into scope. The focus is on what is 'appropriate' and 'reasonably practicable' for each individual premises or event. This means there is no 'one size fits all'.
If you're legally responsible for compliance with the new law, you cannot delegate responsibility for complying with Martyn's Law but you can delegate tasks. If you are responsible for large or complex premises and events, you may already buy in security services to run CCTV control rooms, patrol premises or carry out bag searches. You may choose to use private security expertise to provide advice and help you consider what are appropriate measures and procedures or to test if the ones you have are effective.
As the independent regulator it's not our place to endorse any particular product or service. In working out what's needed for your premises or event, only you can assess if you need to tap into appropriate expert resource from security consultants and providers. Where good protective security measures and preparedness procedures already exist, these will provide solid foundations.
Creating a culture of protective security
Martyn's Law is just one part of a much broader effort to keep the public safe and enhance protective security.
Together with colleagues across government, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), the NPSA (National Protective Security Authority) and policing we are looking at ways to embed a culture of protective security in places and spaces across the UK.
Education is a big part of this, helping everyone in an organisation understand the critical role they play in keeping customers and visitors safe. Resources like ACT Awareness e-learning on ProtectUK are easy, free and accessible now to help you enhance security awareness in your organisation. It is aimed at staff working within venues and public spaces .
As ever, if you have questions about the work we are doing to prepare to regulate Martyn's Law, please contact us at:
