FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a public consultation on its draft section 12 statutory guidance, which sets out how the SIA intends to carry out its role as regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law.
Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack, Martyn’s Law aims to keep people safe by ensuring that publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared and protected in the event of an attack. It also requires certain larger premises to take appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability to a potential terrorist attack. The new law, expected to come into force in Spring 2027, follows extensive campaigning by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE.
The SIA’s draft section 12 guidance explains how the regulator plans to operate and use its powers, taking a supportive, proportionate and risk‑based approach. It sets out:
- that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven its public protection objectives
- how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law
- when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns
- how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work
- how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents
- how the SIA will address non‑compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set
The SIA’s draft guidance is being published alongside the Home Office’s final section 27 statutory guidance. The Home Office’s section 27 guidance—not part of the SIA’s consultation—explains what those responsible for premises and events must do to comply with the Act. The SIA’s section 12 guidance complements this by setting out how the regulator intends to oversee and support compliance.
The SIA intends to publish further practical information about its operational processes, including how and when responsible persons should notify the SIA that they are in scope of Martyn’s Law, which is one of the Act’s requirements, once its online notification system has been built, nearer to commencement.
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027.
“We would like your views on the elements of the SIA’s guidance that set out our intended approach and how we propose to operate against the framework set out in the legislation. We would also welcome views on whether the guidance is understandable and easy to follow.”
The consultation will close at 23:59 on Friday 12 June. To take part, click here.
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
