Martyn's Law: What Security Professionals Need to Know About the SIA's New Regulatory Role in 2025

The Game Changes for UK Security

Martyn's Law officially became reality on April 3, 2025.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 transforms how security professionals operate across the UK. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) now holds expanded regulatory powers that directly impact your career, your training requirements, and your daily responsibilities.

This isn't just another regulation. This is a complete shift in how the UK approaches counter-terrorism security.

Named after Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, this law addresses critical security failures identified in that tragic event. Staff weren't properly directed on suspicious behavior reporting. Officer presence was inadequate. Security coordination failed.

Never again.

SIA's Expanded Authority: What Changed

The SIA's role extends far beyond traditional licensing now.

New enforcement powers include:

• Inspection rights – SIA can enter premises with 72 hours' notice
• Evidence collection – Authority to remove documents and equipment
• Compliance notices – Direct orders for corrective action
• Monetary penalties – Up to £10,000 for standard premises, £18 million for enhanced premises
• Restriction notices – Can limit or suspend operations
• Criminal prosecution – For obstruction or false information

Your license means more now. The SIA doesn't just regulate who can work security. They regulate how security work gets done.

Security professionals face new accountability standards. Your training, procedures, and response capabilities fall under direct SIA oversight.

Two-Tier System: Know Your Category

Martyn's Law creates distinct obligation levels based on venue capacity.

Standard Tier (200-799 People)

Requirements:

• Register with SIA as responsible person
• Implement public protection procedures
• Reduce physical harm risks during attacks
• Maintain "reasonably practicable" security measures

Enhanced Tier (800+ People)

Additional requirements:

• Vulnerability assessments for terrorist attacks
• Advanced risk reduction measures
• Higher compliance standards
• Greater penalties for non-compliance

Education settings remain standard tier regardless of numbers. Schools and universities get proportionate treatment.

Your venue determines your obligations. Different capacity means different SIA oversight levels.

Implementation Timeline: 24 Months to Prepare

The law exists. Full enforcement begins after a 24-month preparation period.

This gives security professionals time to:

• Understand new SIA guidance
• Conduct terrorism risk assessments
• Update security procedures
• Retrain staff on suspicious behavior protocols
• Establish coordination with emergency services

Don't wait. Early preparation shows SIA compliance commitment and protects your professional standing.

What Security Professionals Must Do Now

Immediate Actions Required

Review your current qualifications. Enhanced SIA oversight may require additional training certifications.

Assess your venues. Determine standard or enhanced tier classification for each location you work.

Update procedures. Existing security protocols may not meet new SIA standards.

Document everything. SIA inspections require evidence of proper procedures and training.

Enhanced Training Needs

Counter-terrorism awareness becomes mandatory across security roles.

New skill requirements include:

• Suspicious behavior recognition
• Terrorism threat assessment
• Emergency response coordination
• Incident reporting procedures
• Public protection protocols

ACT e-learning (Action Counters Terrorism) training integrates into standard security education.

Your SIA license depends on demonstrating these capabilities.

Training Compliance: Zems Academy Response

Zems Academy adapts all security training programs to meet Martyn's Law requirements.

Updated course content includes:

• Counter-terrorism awareness modules
• SIA compliance procedures
• Risk assessment methodologies
• Emergency response protocols
• Venue-specific security planning

Door Supervisor training now incorporates terrorism threat recognition.

CCTV Operator courses include enhanced surveillance techniques for suspicious activity detection.

Close Protection programs expand threat assessment capabilities.

All Zems Academy qualifications meet enhanced SIA regulatory standards.

Practical Impact on Your Career

Better job opportunities. Employers need Martyn's Law compliant security professionals.

Higher earning potential. Enhanced training commands premium rates.

Professional security. SIA-compliant training protects your license and career.

Industry leadership. Early compliance positions you ahead of competitors.

Proportionality Principle: Reasonable Measures

Martyn's Law emphasizes "reasonably practicable" security measures.

This means:

• Security responses match actual risks
• Small venues aren't expected to implement airport-level security
• Measures consider operational realities
• Cost-effectiveness applies to security planning

One-size-fits-all approaches don't work. Tailor security measures to specific venues and threat levels.

The SIA evaluates compliance based on proportional response, not maximum security implementation.

Professional Development Priorities

Skills in Demand

Counter-terrorism awareness – Every security role requires threat recognition capabilities.

Risk assessment – Level 2 and Level 3 risk assessment qualifications become essential.

Communication skills – Coordinating with emergency services and reporting suspicious activity.

Documentation abilities – SIA compliance requires detailed record-keeping.

Career Advancement Routes

Enhanced SIA regulation creates new security management positions.

Compliance officers oversee Martyn's Law implementation.

Security consultants help venues achieve SIA compliance.

Training specialists deliver counter-terrorism education.

Risk assessors conduct terrorism vulnerability evaluations.

Next Steps for Security Professionals

Get trained now. Don't wait for full law implementation.

Update your qualifications. Ensure your SIA training meets enhanced standards.

Choose compliant training providers. Work with academies that understand new requirements.

Explore all available training options to maximize your career opportunities.

Build your professional network. Connect with other security professionals adapting to Martyn's Law.

The security industry transforms under Martyn's Law. Enhanced SIA regulation creates challenges and opportunities.

Your response determines your career trajectory.

Proactive training and early compliance preparation position you for success in the new regulatory environment.

Ready to upgrade your security qualifications for Martyn's Law compliance? Contact Zems Academy to discuss training options that meet enhanced SIA standards.

Book your place today. Secure your career under the new regulatory framework.