Crafting Martyn's Law Rules Together
Laura Gibb, the SIA's new Executive Director for Martyn's Law, gives her thoughts after 4 weeks in the role.
I'm delighted to have started as Executive Director for Martyn's Law Regulation at the SIA. Now in my fourth week in post, I'm incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I've received from SIA colleagues, the Home Office, law enforcement partners, and the premises and events sectors across the UK.
I'd like to thank Ronnie Megaughin for his outstanding leadership over the past 6 months. I'm equally pleased that Ronnie continues to be part of the team as Deputy Director for Martyn's Law Inspections and Enforcement. His insight and commitment are invaluable as we move forward. We are continuing to recruit and appoint to other critical roles across the SIA. Please do look out for opportunities on the Civil Service Jobs website and LinkedIn .
Listening and learning
Since joining, I've had the privilege of attending an event bringing together counter-terrorism experts along with those representing premises and events. I heard first-hand from those responsible for securing premises and events about the challenges they face. It was inspiring to see such strong collaboration, with everyone united by a common goal: keeping people safe.
I've also started visiting high-priority sites and seen up close the real-world challenges that security leaders are managing - balancing safety, compliance, and business viability.
Meeting Figen Murray OBE in person was another defining moment. We spoke about her expectations for Martyn's Law and the importance of ensuring this legislation delivers tangible improvements in public safety. I gave Figen my personal commitment never to lose sight of why we're here - to honour Martyn's legacy by creating a regulatory regime that genuinely helps to protect people at premises and events.
Like Figen, I'm acutely aware of the ticking clock as we work towards implementation. Every day until we go live matters, and I'm determined to use that time wisely.
Next steps: consultation on our section 12 guidance
One of my early priorities has been getting up to speed with the SIA's work on preparing our section 12 guidance for public consultation. This guidance explains how the SIA will carry out its new regulatory responsibilities.
We will want - indeed, need - to hear your views. Your feedback will help us refine the guidance so it's widely understood, practical, proportionate, and genuinely useful to you.
We are in the final stages of preparation - testing it with other agencies. When it goes out for consultation, we'll also be holding a series of engagement events so you can share your perspectives directly with us - more details to come shortly.
Learning from the past, acting for the future
Throughout my 22-year career, I've worked on building new inspection regimes, improving public safety, and strengthening resilience. I was drawn to this role not only by my experience but also by a deep-rooted frustration at the slow pace of implementing inquiry recommendations.
My work on the Angiolini Inquiry, and time spent with families bereaved by femicide, has taught me the profound importance of following through on commitments made after tragedy. Martyn's Law is a chance for us to get this right - for Figen, for her family, for all the victims of terrorist attacks, and for every member of the public who deserves to feel safe when attending premises and events.
Working together
I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead. Building a regulatory regime that is proportionate, supportive, and robust will depend on the continued partnership between the SIA, premises and events across the UK, and law enforcement.
I look forward to learning from you - hearing your questions, concerns, and ideas about how we can make Martyn's Law regulation work in practice. Please do come and say hello at upcoming events or contact us through our webform or LinkedIn to find out more about our work.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/building-martyns-law-regulation-together
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