Head of Guidance and Review - Martyn's Law

The SIA is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Home Office, set up in 2004 to regulate certain activities in the private security industry. Currently, we employ nearly 400 members of staff. We are operationally independent of government.

We are now preparing to take on new responsibilities as the regulator of Martyn's Law - named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people who tragically died on 22 May 2017 in the terrorist attack on Manchester Arena. Martyn's Law, introduced by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is intended to improve protective security and preparedness at premises and events across the UK.

The new Act will require premises in scope to be prepared to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Certain larger premises and events will also need to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.

Martyn's Law is primarily a civil, regulatory regime. We will regulate supportively and proportionately but robustly. The SIA will have new guidance, investigatory and inspection functions and a range of new powers and sanctions. Our new Martyn's Law functions will sit alongside and complement our existing responsibility for regulating the private security industry.

Job description

Step into a role where your leadership will shape the future of public safety across the UK. We're looking for an exceptional Head of Guidance and Review to lead a critical new function at the heart of the Martyn's Law Regulator. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up - designing, mobilising, and leading a high-profile regulatory function that will directly strengthen national preparedness and protective security.

Based in London, you'll work at a senior leadership level within the SIA, partnering with the Deputy Director and fellow Heads of Function to deliver a programme with real societal impact. From day one, you'll play a pivotal role in mobilising the Guidance and Review function, inspiring a team of professionals, shaping processes, and embedding a high performing, inclusive culture.

We're looking for a leader who understand the significance of the Martyn's Law legislation, is motivated by its purpose, and is passionate about helping organisations play their part in protecting the public. You'll define strategy, work closely with stakeholders including government and counter terrorism partners, and act as a visible ambassador for the regulator. Your decisions and direction will help ensure compliance, build trust, and raise standards across premises and events nationwide to help keep the public safe.

We're seeking a confident leader with experience managing a complex guidance function in a regulatory or similarly demanding environment. You'll bring the ability to make sound, high stakes decisions, build strong partnerships, and lead teams through change with clarity and purpose. If you're motivated by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to lead at scale, this is your opportunity to make a difference that truly matters.

Person specification

Essential:

• Senior leader: Senior level experience at Head of Function (G7) level in comparable organisations (government, private or public sectors)
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks: knowledge of regulation, with a track record of successfully developing and implementing a regulatory framework within a comparable organisation.
• Strategic thinker, with the ability to develop and advise on organisational strategy and develop and implement strategic regulatory guidance plans that shape and influence compliance
• Inspirational and visible people leader, with strong people leadership skills and experience, with the ability to influence and form strong working relationships and gain the respect and confidence of seniors, peers and colleagues at all levels, in a multidisciplinary professional environment
• Role models of inclusive cultures, and instilling organisational values and behaviours that promote positive individual and team cultures working in collaboration
• Excellent communications skills and credible ambassador with excellent presentation and negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, verbally and in writing, to a wide variety of audiences; able to build and influence relationships at senior levels with a range of stakeholders and partners and act with credibility at senior levels internally and externally
• Proven record of building and developing high performing professional teams who deliver excellent results and outcomes, showing accountability when things do not go well or as planned and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - a team player with integrity; politically astute with good self-awareness, able to work under own initiative with drive and at pace, resilient under pressure, and responds calmly and objectively to internal and external challenge and scrutiny.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of protective security, or relevant counter terrorism related fields (protect and/or prepare).
• Ability to use data, metrics, and trend analysis to review and update guidance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £70,001, Security Industry Authority contributes £20,279 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• A welcoming and innovative work environment.
• Continued support and development opportunities.
• Access to training for attainment of recognised qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Annual leave entitlement will be 27.5 days, rising by one additional day for every two years of service up to a maximum of 32.5 days.
• A variety of discounts including Gymflex.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme - employee contribution between 4.60% and 7.35% and employer contribution between 26.60% and 30.30%.

Closing date: 19 August 2026.