Now is the time to start to prepare for ‘Martyn’s Law’.
Surelock International Limited have recently produced a brief 'Procedures Advice Document' this year, for potential clients, contacts, associates and anyone interested in The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - Martyn's Law, covering five (5) main topics and subjects of: 1. 'Person Responsible', 2. 'Evacuation', 3. 'Invacuation', 4. ' Lockdown' and 5. 'Communication' that will impact any and all premises/events identified in the scope of Martyn's Law.
We understand that the Home Office - Martyn's Law Team will produce Statutory Guidance in Spring 2026, which probably will cover over 150+ words, phrases, paragraphs and sentences detailed in the actual act.
Surelock have to start with, researched the five topics/subjects that are clearly apparent in the act to affect everyone, both premises and events in the Standard & Enhanced Tier premises.
The document is a "Restricted: Commercially Sensitive" paper to Surelock, that hopefully will complement whatever the Statutory Guidance information is provided by the authorities and not a replacement for that information.
Precis of Procedures Advice Document:
Surelock has assessed the following five (5) topics/subjects to begin with and detailed general advice about Martyn's Law.
Person Responsible
Owners/operators of premises & events will need to identify a person within their organisation to become the person responsible for all matters concerning The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and register this person with the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This individual will have to have total control of the premises/event and will be legally responsible for all actions and activity taking place.
This person will need suitable knowledge, experience, ability, information, competency and training to conduct this role, and although may not be required to be on the premises (at the time of operation/event) and therefore will make the most important decisions, that affect public safety of attendees & activity taking place at the premises.
Evacuation Activity
The act of moving people from a dangerous place to somewhere safe" is mainly legislated in the UK by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 & the Fire Safety Act 2021.
But considering evacuation regarding terrorism has some very important differences, being: - that consideration should be given to where to instruct/advise person of where to go when leaving the premises, - distances of where persons should go to keep them safe are entirely different that actual fire or smoke incidents, - accounting for numbers of persons on the premises and therefore leaving to safe areas is very important to know for the emergency services to deal with potential terrorist attacks.
Invacuation Activity
This modern safety procedure involves moving persons into a safe & secure defined location within the premises but must consider all persons on the premises and if this cannot be done then is impracticable to put into practice. The communication to trained staff & employees/stewards/security personnel has to be fully understood by them and acted upon immediately for this to be successful.
Speed of action to conduct invacuation is paramount and the internal areas where persons are taken have to be of suitable construction, with limited windows, doors (that have very effective locking to keep terrorist intruders/attackers out) & communication facilities, that do not alert attackers to where they are.
Lockdown Activity
Instigating lockdowns means locking all accessible external points and other physical barriers to keep out potential or terrorist attackers from entering the premises/event. This would need some prior knowledge or actions identified before attackers get into the premises and again would have to be implemented very quickly and effectively to keep everyone safe.
Identified procedures and practice of trained staff in how to react immediately is required and understood. Lockdown is a delay tactic but if not used correctly could lead to other persons being locked outside and very vulnerable to dangerous persons.
Communication Activity
The ability to immediately call for assistance (of the emergency services) and instruct staff in how to react in the event of a potential terrorist attack or explosion is crucial, and the authority of the premises/events owners or operators would only rest with the 'Person Responsible' but this person would need all available information and knowledge immediately to consider the various options for the safety of the public and staff on the premises or at the event, any delay could result in potential loss of life and danger still being present.
Time is against the premises/event in trying to keep persons safe. Management reaction is necessary in real-time and can only fulfil that by effective communication by persons on site and dealing with whatever incident or activity.
How To Obtain The Procedures Advice Document
We have limited the copying, printing and circulation of this restricted and commercially sensitive document, as others may misuse it, without specific permissions or authority, although a copy can be obtained by formal request, on email or contact direct to stewart.brown@surelock.org
This Standard and Enhanced Tier Premises - Procedures Advice Document may be of interest and use to you in addressing some of the relevant points of Martyn's Law, now. Surelock are happy to assist you and your organisation in the preparation and planning for this important legislation due to be fully implemented in 2027 – contact us today.
