Martyn’s Law: Key Considerations for Operators & Duty-Holders

What is Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 introduces a statutory duty for certain premises and events to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to terrorist attack and to prepare for the possibility of such an event.

The Act adopts a tiered approach:

The Standard Tier covers premises where 200–799 people are reasonably expected at the same time. Requirements focus on “public protection procedures” (e.g. evacuation, lockdown) designed to reduce harm in the event of an attack.
The Enhanced Tier applies to larger premises and events (800 or more people) and involves additional requirements for “public protection measures” such as physical mitigations and more formal risk controls.

Organisations in scope must notify the regulator (Security Industry Authority – SIA), designate a senior individual and ensure relevant procedures and measures are in place.

Why It Matters for Venue Operators and Duty‑Holders

The UK’s terrorism threat is assessed as “substantial”, meaning an attack is likely, and awareness of a broad range of target types is growing.

Many publicly accessible venues and event spaces (shops, hotels, leisure complexes, transport hubs, places of worship, education settings) fall within the Act’s scope.

Non‑compliance may result in enforcement action by the regulator; while detailed guidance is still being issued, organisations are advised to prepare early.

Implementation will follow after an at least 24‑month transition period, allowing duty‑holders to understand their obligations and develop appropriate controls.

Key Considerations for Compliance

Scope & Capacity Assessment: Determine whether your premises or event fall within the Standard or Enhanced tier by assessing capacity, use and likely occupancy.
Risk & Vulnerability Assessment: Duty‑holders need to evaluate how individuals could be harmed in the event of an attack, what the vulnerability of the premises is and what existing measures are in place.
Procedures & Measures Implementation: For Standard tier, focus on proportionate, reasonably practicable procedures (e.g. evacuation routes, staff training). For Enhanced tier, step up to documented protection measures and formal mitigations.
Senior Accountability & Multi‑Discipline Approach: A senior individual must be designated, taking responsibility for compliance oversight. Cross‑discipline coordination (physical, personnel, cyber, technical security) becomes vital.
Ongoing Maintenance, Training & Audit: Continuous monitoring, regular testing of procedures and staff competence must be built into organisational security practices.
Record‑keeping & Evidence of Compliance: Duty‑holders should maintain documented decisions, assessments, training logs and updates to security measures, especially important for larger premises and Enhanced tier.

How Intelligencia Training Can Help

Navigating Martyn’s Law is not just about ticking compliance boxes, it’s about building trusted, internal capability to manage converged protective security. The Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship by Intelligencia Training is tailored for that purpose:

It equips professionals with the knowledge to interpret and apply Martyn’s Law in real‑world settings – understanding tiered duties, risk assessments, senior accountability and enforcement frameworks.
It develops converged security capability: ensuring your team can manage threats across disciplines, integrate systems, coordinate stakeholders and embed sustainable practices.
It provides a funded, structured route for organisations to build this capability internally – reducing reliance on external consultants, enabling retention of talent and aligning staff development with national standards.
The apprenticeship supports operational readiness: through practical workplace learning, direct applicability to duty‑holder roles and confidence to implement protective security measures effectively.

Next Steps

The arrival of Martyn’s Law signals a new era of duty‑bearer responsibility for protective security in publicly accessible places. For organisations operating venues, events or spaces open to the public, preparing early is not optional … it’s vital. By developing in‑house capability through the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship, you’re not just aiming for compliance, you’re building resilience, capability and long‑term security strength.

Learn more about the apprenticeship and prepare your organisation for Martyn’s Law.

Book an informal chat to discuss eligibility, funding options and how this apprenticeship can aligned to your training needs.