The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is releasing planning tools to support premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law as they prepare to comply with the new legislation. Martyn’s Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027 after becoming law in April 2025.
Developed with the support of volunteers from premises and events – typically pubs and clubs, theatres, halls and hospitals – and the SIA’s protective security partners, there is a new planning tool for those in the standard tier to work through what procedures they have or will put in place to comply and a template for the enhanced tier to use to start documenting their procedures. For those in the standard tier (premises holding 200 to 799), the focus is on helping them think through how they will put in place appropriate procedures for evacuation, lockdown, communications and invacuation (moving people to safe areas within a premises) in the event of a terrorist attack.
For the enhanced tier (premises of 800 and over), the SIA has produced a template that can be used to document compliance when the new law comes in. The SIA says the template is designed to help those in scope think through the procedures they will put in place and their impact on reducing harm in the event of an attack. It will also help them look at how they would assess any vulnerabilities to attack and how they will then use monitoring, movement of people, physical security and information security measures to reduce these.
When Martyn’s Law comes into force, premises and events in scope will need to notify the SIA they are in scope. Those in the standard tier will not need to send any compliance documents at that point unless asked to do so.
The SIA is inviting feedback on the tools released today and encouraging those in scope to test them out now and start to prepare. Feedback can be shared until 23 December via: SIA feedback form for Martyn’s Law resources
Laura Gibb, Executive Director of Martyn’s Law at the SIA said: “We have talked to many people at events and in premises across the UK and heard their ask for practical tools. They have asked for help for those in scope of Martyn’s Law to work through their thinking, planning and preparation. These new materials are a first step. We will continue to work with those responsible for premises and events in scope to guide and support them in complying.
“We cannot build an effective, workable system without the people and organisations who will be using it. We are encouraging everyone to get involved, help test the tools and templates and help us build something that works for premises and events of every size and type.”
And Henry Havis, Business Chair for NaCTSO’s Counter Terrorism Business Information Exchange said: “The Counter Terrorism Business Information Exchange has been delighted to work with the SIA in developing these practical tools. One of the consistent messages from industry has been the need for clear, proportionate and usable guidance that helps organisations translate the requirements of Martyn’s Law into practical action. These tools are an important step forward in doing exactly that.
“For smaller standard tier premises, the planning tool provides a straightforward way to work through the public protection procedures and consider what is appropriate and reasonably practicable for their individual circumstances. For larger and more complex enhanced-tier premises and events, the template provides a welcome framework for documenting procedures, protective measures and the decisions that sit behind them.
“Martyn’s Law is ultimately about protecting people. Use the period before Martyn’s Law comes into force to understand your responsibilities, review existing arrangements, identify gaps, engage your people, and make sure procedures and measures will work in practice, when they are needed. Ultimately, this is about making the places where people work, visit and gather safer.”
The tools can be accessed on GOV.UK alongside further details on Martyn’s Law. If unsure if Martyn’s Law applies to you, flowcharts are available on the UK official website ProtectUK.
Photo by Mark Rowe, badge for well-wishers who took part with campaigner Figen Murray in a march to London in May 2024, to push for Martyn’s Law.
