The UK security industry is on the brink of its most significant transformation in years. If you’re a security professional, an employer, or a venue operator, watch out for the security industry changes in 2026. They’re bound to impact your career, your responsibilities, and the way you operate. This isn’t just another policy update; it’s a fundamental shift towards a more professionalised and accountable industry.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. We’ve broken down the three biggest security industry changes you need to understand right now: Martyn’s Law, a major licensing shake-up for contractors and CCTV operators, and new pathways for counter-terrorism specialists. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Martyn’s Law: The Protect Duty is Almost Here
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is without a doubt the biggest change. Named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, this law mandates that venues and public spaces take steps to protect the public from terrorism.
What Does This Mean For You?
The law uses a tiered approach based on a location’s capacity:
Standard Tier (200-799 capacity): This tier focuses on simple, low-cost procedures. Think of it as embedding preparedness into your daily routine. You won’t need to install new physical security, but you will need to have clear procedures for emergencies, such as locking doors, closing shutters, and knowing safe evacuation routes. The key is having a plan.
Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity): This tier requires more robust measures. In addition to the procedures in the Standard Tier, you’ll need to implement physical security measures where “reasonably practicable.” This could include CCTV, vehicle checks, and bag search policies. You’ll also need to document your security plan and provide it to the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
This new responsibility means that staff with a door supervisor licence will be more critical than ever, as they are trained in crowd control, conflict management, and emergency procedures—all essential skills for complying with the new law.
The key takeaway: The government has stated there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months from when the Act received Royal Assent (April 2025). This means you can expect the law to come into force from April 2027 onwards, so the time to prepare is now. You can find a detailed overview on the official ProtectUK Martyn’s Law page.
2. The Big Licensing Shake-Up: In-House CCTV & Contractors
For years, there’s been an inconsistency in the industry: CCTV operators working for a security company needed an SIA licence, but those working directly for a supermarket, council, or shopping centre didn’t. That’s about to change.
Following a recommendation from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, the Home Office has launched a public consultation on expanding SIA licensing. This consultation, which closes in March 2026, proposes two major changes:
1. Licensing for In-House CCTV Operators: This would require all CCTV operators, whether contracted or employed directly, to hold a valid SIA licence. This ensures uniform vetting and training standards across the board.
2 . Licensing for Security Contractors: The consultation is also considering a requirement for the businesses that supply security services to be licensed, not just the individuals they employ.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you work as an in-house CCTV operator, you may need to get your SIA CCTV operator licence in the near future. For employers, it means ensuring all your staff—not just those from third-party firms—are properly licensed and trained. This move, along with the recent changes to SIA criminal record rules and the introduction of mandatory SIA refresher training, aims to professionalise the security industry and ensure everyone monitoring public spaces has been properly vetted and trained.
3. New Pathways for Counter-Terrorism Specialists
To support the implementation of Martyn’s Law and raise standards, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) has announced two major initiatives that create a clear pathway for security professionals looking to specialise.
According to a recent announcement from Counter Terrorism Policing, two key changes are coming in spring 2026:
- A National Register of Specialists: CTP is launching a national, CTP-endorsed register of qualified specialists. This will be a public-facing database of vetted experts who can provide official advice on protective security. For experienced professionals, this offers a route to formal recognition and opportunities to consult on a higher level.
- A New Ofqual-Regulated Qualification: A new Level 3 qualification, the “Competent Person in the Workplace,” will launch in March 2026. This course is designed for security and operational professionals responsible for managing protective measures. For employers looking to understand what this means for them, our guide on the CPIW qualification and Martyn’s Law offers a detailed breakdown.
These initiatives show a clear direction: the industry needs and will reward recognised counter-terrorism expertise. This is a chance for ambitious professionals to differentiate themselves and advance their careers.
How to Prepare for the Future of UK Security
These three changes aren’t just new rules to follow; they represent a coordinated effort to make the UK safer and to recognise the vital role of the private security industry. This is your chance to get ahead, upskill, and position yourself as a leader, all the while keeping up with the UK security industry changes.
The future of security belongs to those who prepare. Whether you’re an individual professional looking to advance or an employer ensuring your team is compliant, the time to act is now. Explore our full range of SIA refresher training courses to ensure your or your team’s skills meet the demands of 2026 and beyond.
