The security landscape in the United Kingdom has undergone a seismic shift. As of May 2026, the industry is no longer just talking about "best practices": it is grappling with the reality of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law.
While many security firms are still scrambling to understand the implications, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has already moved into high gear. The "New Section 12 Rules": referring specifically to Section 12 of the 2025 Act: have granted the SIA unprecedented statutory powers to inspect, investigate, and enforce compliance across public venues.
If you are a venue owner, a facilities manager, or a security provider, you need to know what happens when the inspector knocks. At KGFM Ltd, we believe in transparency. We don’t just provide manned guarding; we provide the peace of mind that comes from being bulletproof during an audit.
Here is what the "experts" aren't telling you about the new inspection regime and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
For decades, SIA inspections were primarily concerned with the Private Security Industry Act 2001: checking that guards had their badges and that companies weren't "phoenixing." The new Section 12 rules under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 change the game entirely.
The SIA is now the official regulator for Martyn’s Law. Their new powers allow them to:
KGFM Insight: The SIA has stated they will take an "advisory-first" approach during the initial rollout, but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. An "advisory" visit that uncovers systemic failures is the first step toward a formal enforcement notice.
One of the most common failures during an SIA inspection isn't a missing licence: it’s the Ghost Guard. This refers to staff listed on a roster who have never actually been vetted to BS 7858:2019 standards.
In the rush to cover shifts at retail stores or construction sites, some companies take shortcuts. They might check a licence, but they fail to explain gaps in employment history or verify character references. Under the new inspection rules, the SIA is cross-referencing site rosters with HR files in real-time.
How KGFM Protects You: We operate our own SIA-standard Training Centre. Every guard we deploy is vetted meticulously before they ever step foot on your site. We don't use "off-the-shelf" labour; we use professionally trained professionals.
If your Assignment Instructions (AIs) look like they were copied and pasted from a template you found online in 2018, you are in trouble.
Inspectors are now looking for site-specific procedures. For a venue falling under the Enhanced Tier of Martyn’s Law, your AIs must clearly detail:
If an inspector asks your guard, "What is the procedure for a suspicious package?" and the guard points to a dusty folder they've never read, that is a failed inspection.
The SIA has noticed a trend: many security companies have great policies on paper but zero supervision on the ground. This is where most firms fail their SIA ACS assessments.
Inspectors now look for evidence of meaningful supervision. They want to see site visit logs, welfare checks, and "toolbox talks" where guards are briefed on changing threat levels.
The KGFM Standard: We differentiate ourselves through Personal Supervision at all times. Our management team doesn't just sit in an office; we are on the ground, ensuring that our door supervisors and static guards are performing to the highest standard.
You might think an SIA inspection is only about security badges. Wrong. In 2026, the SIA is working closer than ever with the Home Office. A failure to produce Right to Work (RTW) documentation for every member of staff on-site is an instant "Major Non-Conformity."
Inspectors are checking:
Many smaller security firms or venues that manage their own "in-house" security struggle with the complexities of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). The secret that consultancy firms don't want you to know? It's not about having more paperwork; it's about having the right paperwork.
At KGFM, we offer Consultancy Services specifically designed to assist non-SIA ACS companies in seeking approval. We take the mystery out of the audit process, helping you build a compliance framework that stands up to the most rigorous Section 12 inspection.
With full requirements expected to apply from Spring 2027, the 24-month implementation period is already well underway. If your venue hosts more than 200 people, you are now a "Responsible Person" under the law.
The SIA’s draft Section 12 guidance (published April 2026) makes it clear: compliance is not optional. Whether you manage a retail centre, a hotel, or a community hall, you must act now.
In an era of increasing regulation and heightened threats, you cannot afford "minimum standard" security. KGFM Ltd provides a premier choice for businesses across the UK who demand the best.
Don't wait for an SIA inspector to find the gaps in your security. Take the first step toward total compliance today with a free, no-obligation consultation.
PREPARE YOUR VENUE WITH CONFIDENCE.
KGFM Limited 60 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2EW
Tel: 0203 4321635 Email: info@kgfm.co.uk Website: www.kgfm.co.uk/martyns-law
KGFM – Keeping UK public spaces safer, one venue at a time.