Martyn’s Law: What it means for you and why training now still matters

Martyn’s Law: What it means for organisations and their people

Martyn’s Law is moving closer to implementation, but what does the legislation actually mean for organisations? Who does it apply to, what do organisations need to prepare for, and where does training fit in?

This guide explains the latest developments, what Martyn’s Law means in practice, and how organisations can prepare their people, not just their procedures.

INDEX

• What is Martyn’s Law?

• What has changed with Martyn’s Law in 2026?

• Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?

• What does Martyn’s Law mean for organisations?

• Does Martyn’s Law require staff training?

• What should organisations be thinking about now?

• Martyn’s Law FAQs

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It is legislation designed to improve preparedness and protective security at certain publicly accessible premises and events across the UK.

At its core, Martyn’s Law is about making sure organisations consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack and, for larger premises and certain events, what reasonably practicable measures can be taken to reduce vulnerability.

The requirements vary depending on the type and size of premises or event. They include public protection procedures such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, with additional requirements for larger premises and qualifying events.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate Martyn’s Law once it comes into force.

What has changed with Martyn’s Law in 2026?

2026 has seen Martyn’s Law move from legislation towards implementation.

The Home Office has published statutory guidance explaining the requirements of the Act, while the SIA has been developing its role as regulator, including the systems that organisations and events in scope will need to use.

The SIA has also been encouraging organisations that may be in scope to start preparing now. The SIA’s latest update provides more detail on the current position.

The legislation is not yet in force. It is currently expected to come into force in spring 2027, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed.

That means there is time to understand what applies to organisations and review existing arrangements before the legal requirements take effect.

Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?

Martyn’s Law applies to certain publicly accessible premises and events, with different requirements depending on the circumstances.

Broadly, qualifying premises are divided into a standard tier and an enhanced tier.

Standard tier

It usually covers premises where between 200 and 799 people may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time.

Enhanced tier

Generally, it applies where 800 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present, subject to the detailed criteria and exceptions within the legislation.

The exact requirements depend on the type of premises or event and the circumstances involved. If unsure whether an organisation falls within scope, the Home Office’s statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 provides the detail needed to assess its position.

What does Martyn’s Law mean for organisations?

For organisations in scope, Martyn’s Law means taking a structured approach to preparedness.

For standard-tier premises, this includes having appropriate public protection procedures covering areas such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.

Enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events have additional requirements, including assessing vulnerabilities and considering reasonably practicable measures to reduce the risk of harm.

The important thing is that this isn’t simply about creating another policy. The procedures need to work in practice, and staff need to understand what their role is when they’re put into action. That means understanding what their role is, what is expected of them and how they should respond if a situation develops.

That means organisations preparing for Martyn’s Law should look at both sides of the picture:

• What procedures and arrangements are in place?
• Are staff prepared to put them into practice?

Those questions will have different answers in different workplaces. Not everyone will need the same level or type of preparation.

Does Martyn’s Law require staff training?

No single staff training course is prescribed by Martyn’s Law.

The legislation sets out requirements for organisations in scope, but it does not mean that every member of staff needs to complete the same training.

Instead, organisations should consider what their people need to know and be able to do as part of their wider protective security arrangements.

For some people, that may simply mean understanding emergency procedures and knowing what is expected of them. For others, particularly those with specific responsibilities, more detailed preparation may be appropriate.

Depending on the organisation and its risks, this could include skills and awareness around:

• Situational awareness.
• Communication under pressure
• Emergency procedures.
• Managing confrontation or challenging behaviour.
• Knowing when and how to escalate concerns.

The right approach will depend on the environment, the people involved and the situations they may realistically need to manage.

So rather than asking, “What Martyn’s Law training is needed?” a better starting point may be, “What do staff need to know and be able to do to help keep people safe?”.

That allows training to support wider organisational preparedness rather than treating it as a standalone compliance exercise. Training in Action: Empowering Staff at Excel London.

What should organisations be thinking about now?

With Martyn’s Law expected to come into force in spring 2027, organisations that may be in scope have an opportunity to prepare now.

Start with the basics.

Understand whether the legislation applies. Use the official guidance to establish whether the premises, event or organisation falls within scope.

Review what’s at hand. Look at existing emergency procedures and protective security arrangements. There may already be effective measures in place that provide a foundation for further preparation.

Consider staff members. Ask whether the people responsible for carrying out those procedures understand their role and know what is expected of them.

Identify the gaps. Once there’s an understanding of what is already in place, further preparation can be easily identified. That might mean updating procedures, giving people more opportunities to practise them, or building the knowledge and practical skills they need to respond effectively. For some organisations, that may include training such as Protest & Public Order Training, depending on their environment and the risks they face.

Martyn’s Law doesn’t need to be treated as an entirely separate piece of work. The most useful preparation is likely to be the preparation that makes the existing approach stronger and gives staff greater confidence in what to do when it matters. For the latest information, organisations should continue to refer to the Home Office statutory guidance and updates from the Security Industry Authority as implementation progresses.

Martyn’s Law FAQs

Is Martyn’s Law currently in force?

No. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent but has not yet come into force. It is currently expected to commence in spring 2027.

When will Martyn’s Law come into force?

The SIA currently expects Martyn’s Law to come into force in spring 2027. The exact commencement date has not yet been confirmed.

Who is responsible for complying with Martyn’s Law?

Responsibility generally rests with the person, organisation or company that has control of the qualifying premises or event for the relevant use. The detailed arrangements are set out in the legislation and statutory guidance.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to events?

Yes. Certain qualifying events are covered by the legislation. The requirements depend on the circumstances of the event.

Does Martyn’s Law require staff training?

No single staff training course is prescribed. Organisations should consider what their people need to know and be able to do as part of their wider protective security arrangements.

What should organisations do before Martyn’s Law comes into force?

Organisations that may be in scope should start by understanding what applies to them, reviewing their existing arrangements and considering whether their people are prepared to carry out their roles.

What is the difference between the standard and enhanced tiers?

The standard tier generally covers qualifying premises where between 200 and 799 people may reasonably be expected to be present. Enhanced-tier requirements generally apply where 800 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present, subject to the detailed criteria and exceptions in the legislation.

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