Although the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law) is not yet in force, the Home Office has published guidance on the notification requirements that will apply once the new regime takes effect.
The guidance provides greater clarity on when organisations must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the deadlines involved, and the information that will need to be provided. While implementation remains some way off, organisations that may fall within scope should begin preparing now.
Key takeaways
- Responsible persons will need to notify the SIA when they take responsibility for, or cease to be responsible for, qualifying premises or events.
- Any changes that make previously submitted information inaccurate must also be reported.
- Most notifications for qualifying premises will be subject to a 28-day deadline.
- Qualifying events are generally subject to a shorter 14-day notification period.
- Businesses should review governance, ownership and operational structures now to ensure responsibilities are clearly identified.
Qualifying premises
Responsible persons for qualifying premises when the regime comes into force will have a three-month transitional period to submit their initial notification.
After that period, notifications must generally be submitted within 28 days of becoming, or ceasing to be, the responsible person. The same deadline applies where information previously provided to the SIA becomes inaccurate.
Importantly, this obligation extends to information submitted by a previous responsible person. Organisations taking over premises should therefore review existing notifications as part of any acquisition or handover process.
Qualifying events
For qualifying events, the key trigger is usually the date on which the event is first publicised.
The guidance takes a broad approach to publicity. As well as websites, social media and advertising materials, information shared with members of a club, association or similar organisation may also be sufficient.
In most cases, responsible persons will have 14 days from first publication to notify the SIA. Changes in responsibility or inaccuracies in previously submitted information must also be reported within 14 days.
Notifications and information requirements
Notifications may be submitted by employees, agents or professional advisers on behalf of a responsible person. However, legal responsibility for compliance remains with the responsible person.
The information required is extensive and includes details of:
- the responsible person and any person exercising control;
- coordination arrangements;
- capacity figures;
- advertising channels; and
- relevant licences, permissions and safety certificates.
Further information will be required depending on whether the notification relates to premises or an event. Those submitting notifications must also acknowledge that knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information may constitute an offence under the Act.
How we can help
The guidance provides a useful indication of the practical and administrative requirements organisations can expect under Martyn's Law.
If you would like advice on Martyn's Law and what it may mean for your organisation, please contact Julia McDonald, Calum Sweeney, or another member of Anderson Strathern's Health & Safety team.