The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 establishes the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as the regulator overseeing compliance with the requirements of the Act. The SIA is a Home Office arm’s length body established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 as the regulator of the private security industry.
What is the role of the regulator?
Under the Act, the regulator must produce section 12 operational guidance which explains how it will exercise its functions as the regulator. This document and a public consultation regarding the SIA’s regulatory approach will be published in the near future. For more information on the SIA approach to regulation please visit Security Industry Authority - GOV.UK.
The SIA has powers to authorise individuals to inspect premises and events, and to obtain information. It uses these powers to determine whether responsible persons are complying with the requirements of the Act.
The Act gives the SIA powers to issue various civil notices and penalties to address non-compliance. The SIA’s guidance will provide further detail on these notices, and rights of appeal but the paragraphs below provide a summary of the available notices and penalties under the Act. The SIA’s guidance will also provide information on how any penalties are calculated.
Regulator Q&A
Who are the Security Industry Authority (SIA)?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a Home Office arm’s length body established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 as the regulator of the private security industry. It was set up to raise standards and drive out criminality from the industry and now plays a key role in public protection.
The SIA already plays an important role in safeguarding the public through its statutory and non-statutory work. It has a wealth of experience in inspecting and enforcing legislation which better protects the public.
The SIA currently has two key statutory functions:
- Licensing individuals who perform certain security roles specified in the Act (e.g. door supervisors and security guards). This includes setting the standards for the mandatory training required to obtain an SIA licence, and running criminal record and other checks to ensure that individuals are ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence.
- Administering the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), a voluntary quality assurance scheme for private security businesses.
The SIA also supports key government public safety priorities by collaborating with the UK and devolved governments, local authorities, the police and business operators on activities relating to counter terrorism, violence against women and girls, and spiking.
Under the Act, the SIA must prepare guidance about how it will exercise its functions. This guidance must be approved by the Home Secretary before it can be published.
How will the regulator work in practice?
It is important that the SIA is operating as soon as is practicable to ensure that the positive effects of this legislation are felt. But it will take at least two years for these new regulatory functions to become fully operational. This timeline reflects the complexity of the task and is similar to other new regulators.
The SIA and the Home Office are working in partnership to build the regulator. This will ensure that there is the necessary funding, expertise and knowledge to build an effective regime.
The SIA and the Home Office will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders as needed to establish the functions.
How will the SIA work with Local Authorities?
Throughout the development of Martyn’s Law the Home Office have worked closely with stakeholders from central, local and devolved Government. In its current role the SIA already works closely with local authorities, including taking part in safety advisory groups for major events. The SIA will build on this experience to effectively implement Martyn’ Law.
How will it be ensured that sanctions are proportionate?
The Act provides the SIA with a range of powers to take enforcement action, including issuing a monetary penalty. The Act requires the SIA to set a financial penalty amount that is proportionate to the contravention, and to take into account any action taken to remedy the contravention or mitigate its effects, and the person’s ability to pay.
The SIA must usually provide an opportunity to make representations regarding proposed enforcement action, and there is also a right of appeal to the Tribunal. The SIA will prepare guidance about how it will exercise its functions, including its powers of investigation and enforcement, which will be approved by the Home Secretary.
Will inspections/registering cost my business anything?
No. There will be no fee for notification to the SIA nor other charges, e.g. in relation to inspections or advice by the SIA.
Will my premises receive a public rating after inspection, in the same way as food standards?
No. Premises and events inspected by the SIA will not be given a public rating.
How will the regulator’s success be monitored and evaluated?
The Home Office will work closely with the SIA to develop its new regulatory functions. Once operational, the Secretary of State will monitor its performance to ensure that it is carrying out its functions under the Act effectively.
To find out further information about the role of the SIA and private security, please visit: Security Industry Authority - GOV.UK