SIA launches consultation on Section 12 guidance for Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law – named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people killed in the horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack – aims to keep members of the public safe by ensuring that publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared and protected in the event of an attack.

The legislation also requires certain larger premises to take appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability to a potential terrorist attack.

The new law follows extensive campaigning by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE.

Risk-based approach

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 in doing so. It sets out:

*that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by 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

Section 27 statutory guidance 

The SIA’s draft guidance is being published alongside the Home Office’s final Section 27 statutory guidance.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, which is not part of the SIA’s consultation – explains what those individuals responsible for premises and events must do to comply with the Act of Parliament. 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.

Important opportunity

Laura Gibb, executive director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for the management teams of 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.”

Gibb continued: “We would like to receive 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 12 June. To take part, visit the SIA’s consultation page