Martyn's Law: Why Safeguarding Organisations Cannot Afford to Wait
The consultation on the Security Industry Authority's (SIA) draft guidance for Martyn's Law has now closed, marking another significant step towards the implementation of one of the most important pieces of public protection legislation in recent years.
Named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, Martyn's Law aims to improve preparedness and protective security measures across publicly accessible locations and events. The legislation seeks to ensure that organisations are better equipped to reduce the risk of harm and respond effectively in the event of a terrorist attack.
While Martyn's Law is often discussed in the context of security and counter-terrorism, there is an equally important safeguarding conversation taking place.
Because at its heart, this legislation is about protecting people.
What Is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, will place responsibilities on certain venues and organisations to consider the risk of terrorist incidents and take proportionate steps to improve preparedness.
The legislation is expected to apply to a wide range of publicly accessible premises and events, with requirements varying depending on the size and nature of the venue.
The aim is not to create unnecessary bureaucracy but to ensure organisations have considered how they would protect people and respond in an emergency.
The recent SIA consultation focused on draft guidance that will support organisations in understanding and meeting their responsibilities under the new legislation.
Why This Matters for Safeguarding
As safeguarding professionals, we often think about abuse, exploitation, neglect, and risk of harm.
However, safeguarding is ultimately about the steps we take to protect people from harm or further harm.
That means safeguarding cannot exist in isolation from wider conversations about public safety, emergency planning, risk management, and organisational resilience.
Whether we work in education, healthcare, sport, charities, faith organisations, hospitality, events, or the private sector, we have a duty to consider foreseeable risks and take reasonable steps to protect those in our care.
The principles underpinning Martyn's Law are not new to safeguarding professionals.
They include:
Understanding risk.
Identifying vulnerabilities.
Planning ahead.
Training staff.
Establishing clear procedures.
Creating safer environments.
Responding effectively when incidents occur.
These are principles that sit at the heart of both safeguarding and public protection.
A Shift from Reaction to Prevention
One of the most significant aspects of Martyn's Law is its focus on preparedness.
Historically, organisations have often focused on how they respond after an incident occurs.
Martyn's Law challenges organisations to think differently.
Instead of asking, "What would we do if something happened?" organisations are encouraged to ask:
What risks exist within our environment?
How prepared are we to respond?
Do our staff know what to do?
Have we considered the needs of vulnerable individuals?
Are our plans realistic and regularly tested?
This shift towards prevention and preparedness mirrors the direction of travel we have seen across safeguarding practice over many years.
The most effective safeguarding arrangements do not simply respond to harm; they seek to prevent it.
What Should Organisations Be Doing Now?
Although implementation timelines continue to develop, organisations should not wait for legal deadlines before taking action.
Now is an ideal opportunity to review:
Emergency response plans.
Business continuity arrangements.
Safeguarding policies and procedures.
Staff training and awareness.
Communication processes during incidents.
Risk assessment frameworks.
Arrangements for supporting individuals that may be at risk during emergencies.
For organisations working with children, young people, adults at risk, or large numbers of visitors, it is particularly important to consider how emergency planning and safeguarding arrangements align.
A well-written policy is only effective if people understand it and know how to apply it under pressure.
Leadership Matters
Like all areas of safeguarding, successful implementation will depend on leadership.
Creating safer environments requires more than compliance. It requires a culture where risk is understood, responsibilities are clear, and preparedness is viewed as everyone's business.
Boards, trustees, governors, senior leaders, and managers all have a role to play in ensuring their organisations are ready.
The strongest organisations are rarely those that have experienced a crisis.
They are often the organisations that have taken the time to prepare before one occurs.
Looking Ahead
The closure of the SIA consultation represents another important milestone in the journey towards implementing Martyn's Law.
Whilst the legislation is rooted in counter-terrorism, its wider message is one that safeguarding professionals will recognise immediately: protecting people requires planning, partnership, vigilance, and preparedness.
At RLB, we believe safeguarding extends beyond responding to abuse and neglect. It is about creating environments where people can feel safe, supported, and protected from harm in all its forms.
Martyn's Law provides organisations with an opportunity to strengthen that commitment.
The question is not whether the legislation will apply to your organisation.
The question is whether your organisation is already thinking about how it can better protect the people who rely on it.
Read the press release here
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Statutory guidance (accessible)