Principal Review and Insights Advisor - 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

Help shape how Martyn’s Law works in practice and make a lasting contribution to public protection.

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the development and continuous improvement of the regulatory approach to Martyn’s Law. As Principal Review and Insights Advisor, you will lead the review and insight activity that helps ensure regulatory guidance is evidence-led, effective and delivers meaningful outcomes across the regulated sector.

Working within the Martyn’s Law Regulator (MLR) Guidance and Review function, you will turn evidence into action. You will draw together learning from inspections, desk-based assessments, stakeholder intelligence, research, the public and wider regulatory activity to identify emerging risks, trends and opportunities for improvement. You will then translate those insights into practical recommendations and high-quality guidance that helps premises and event organisers understand their responsibilities.

This is a role for someone who enjoys tackling complex questions and using sound judgement to reach clear conclusions. You will have significant autonomy to determine the right review and evaluation approaches for novel issues, while working closely with the Head of Guidance and Review and colleagues across the organisation.

Your analysis will have real influence. You will prepare reports, briefings and strategic recommendations for senior leaders, including the MLR Deputy Director and Head of Guidance and Review, helping to shape national guidance, regulatory priorities and interventions. You will also engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, from Home Office officials and counter-terrorism partners to local authorities, regulators, professional bodies and representatives of the premises and events sectors.

We are looking for an experienced review, evaluation, assurance or performance improvement professional who can combine strong analytical thinking with excellent communication and influencing skills. You will be comfortable interpreting complex quantitative and qualitative evidence, identifying what really matters, and communicating it clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Experience of working in a regulatory, protective security or counter-terrorism environment would be advantageous, as would knowledge of evaluation methodologies, performance frameworks or guidance assurance.

Above all, you will bring curiosity, sound judgement, collaboration and a commitment to using evidence to drive better outcomes.

Join us and help turn insight into action — improving compliance with Martyn’s Law and contributing to the protection of people across the country.

Person specification

Essential

• Substantial experience of leading complex review, evaluation, assurance, or performance improvement activities with organisation-wide, sector level or public impact.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including the ability to interpret large and complex datasets and draw clear, evidence-based conclusions that can be communicated to a non-technical audience.
• Experience of designing and delivering effective evaluation activities that translate research or learnings into practical recommendations, improvements and guidance materials.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement in novel or ambiguous situations to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of guidance or regulatory and operational processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a strong record of developing strategic options and recommendations for decision makers and influencing their adoption through clear evidence, constructive challenge and sound judgement.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to build productive relationships across organisations.
• Ability to identify emerging risks, issues, and trends, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Experience of producing high-quality reports, briefings, and recommendations to inform senior decision making.

Desirable

• Experience working within a regulatory environment or knowledge of protective security, or relevant counter terrorism related fields (protect and/or prepare).
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, performance frameworks, and impact assessment approaches.
• Experience of auditing, reviewing, or assuring policy or guidance products. 
• Understanding of how guidance influences compliance and stakeholder behaviours.
• Experience of working in a fast-changing environment and managing conflicting priorities.

Selection process details

The SIA does not use Success Profiles - please disregard any information below in relation to this.

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 28th September 2026  If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn.

Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Sift and Interview Process:

• Sift will take place from 29th September.
• Interviews will be held during the week commencing 19th October.
• Interviews will be held in person at our London office. You will be required to prepare and deliver a presentation at interview stage.

Criminal Record Check

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct.

If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.