On 27 February 2026, outgoing Security Industry Authority (SIA) chair Heather Baily QPM set out closing reflections, reiterating the regulator’s public protection purpose and elevating delivery of the Martyn’s Law regulator as a primary task alongside collaboration with industry and policing partners. (gov.uk)
Her remarks precede a planned transition in governance. Mike Cunningham CBE QPM takes up the chair on 1 March 2026 for a three‑year term following a Home Office appointment, with responsibility for leading the Board to meet ministerial expectations and SIA strategic objectives. (gov.uk)
Martyn’s Law - the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Home Office has signalled at least a 24‑month implementation period before commencement, while the SIA is preparing for a go‑live no earlier than Spring 2027, subject to statutory instruments. (gov.uk)
The SIA describes an advisory‑first regulatory posture for Martyn’s Law, moving to proportionate enforcement where needed. Preparation includes creating more than 100 operational roles, regionally based inspection teams and a Manchester hub, with separate Home Office grant funding rather than licence fees. (gov.uk)
Training standards have been tightened. Since 2021, door supervisors and security guards must evidence Emergency First Aid at Work (or equivalent) before licence‑linked training; from 1 April 2025 a refresher qualification is required to renew. Close protection qualifications were updated in 2022, with a refresher requirement from 1 April 2026, again with a first aid prerequisite. (gov.uk)
These changes align with preparedness and casualty‑care themes emerging from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, with the SIA embedding counter‑terrorism awareness and first aid within licence‑linked training to strengthen public protection outcomes. (gov.uk)
On enforcement and standards, the SIA reports increased proactive action to stop high‑risk individuals retaining licences and signals a shift in emphasis from the volume of licences or approved businesses towards quality of service and outcomes. (gov.uk)
Institutionally, the SIA remains an arm’s length body accountable to the Home Secretary under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, while underscoring operational independence in Martyn’s Law casework decisions and use of powers. (gov.uk)
Baily thanked 458,075 licence holders for round‑the‑clock coverage and the SIA workforce for delivery across the UK. For context, the SIA recorded over 446,000 individual licence holders in February 2025 in its business plan. (gov.uk)
Implications for duty‑holders during 2026: identify the responsible person, begin scenario‑based procedures for evacuation, invacuation and lockdown, schedule staff awareness and first‑aid capability checks, and budget for proportionate measures ahead of commencement. The Home Office will publish statutory guidance during the implementation period, and the SIA plans to consult on its investigatory guidance once that appears. (gov.uk)
Near‑term regulatory work also reflects priorities set out in August 2025: building the Martyn’s Law function, advancing a new business approval scheme, tackling training malpractice, and reviewing licensing decisions to strengthen confidence in the regime. (gov.uk)