Today, 21 August 2026, the UK marks its first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism.

The day has been established following years of campaigning by victims, survivors and bereaved families who have called for greater recognition of both those whose lives have been lost and those who continue to live with the consequences of terrorism.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has joined organisations across the country in marking the day, recognising the courage and resilience of survivors and the families whose lives have been changed forever.

At RLB, we believe there is an important message here for every organisation responsible for the safety and wellbeing of people.

The impact does not end when the incident ends

When we think about terrorism, organisational conversations understandably focus heavily on prevention, security, emergency planning and response.

Those things are essential, but safeguarding requires us to think beyond the immediate incident. For victims, survivors, witnesses, families, colleagues and communities, the impact of terrorism may continue for months, years or throughout their lives.

People may experience bereavement, trauma, physical injury, psychological harm, anxiety, changes in relationships, financial pressures and a profound change in their sense of safety.

The safeguarding response therefore cannot end when the immediate emergency is over.

It must also consider:

• how people are supported afterwards;

• whether staff understand trauma and its potential impact;

• how victims and survivors are listened to and included;

• what pathways exist to specialist support;

• how organisations communicate following traumatic incidents;

• how employees affected directly or indirectly are supported; and

• how lessons are identified and translated into meaningful change.

Preparedness is part of safeguarding

The SIA's statement also highlights the forthcoming implementation of Martyn's Law and the importance of strengthening protective security and preparedness across premises and events.

For organisations, this should not be viewed solely as a security or compliance issue.

It is also about safeguarding culture.

Good safeguarding asks:

• Who could be harmed?

• What vulnerabilities might increase that harm?

• How prepared are our people to respond?

• What happens to those affected afterwards?

And importantly:

• Would the systems we have written down actually work when people need them most?

Policies alone do not create safety. People need to understand their roles. Plans need to be tested. Risks need to be considered in context. Staff need the confidence to act. Leaders need appropriate oversight and assurance.

A trauma-informed response matters

The creation of this National Day is also an important reminder that the voices of victims and survivors must remain central. Trauma-informed safeguarding means recognising that people will respond differently to traumatic experiences. There is no single "correct" way to behave after trauma. Some people may want to talk. Others may not. Some effects may be immediate; others may emerge much later.

Organisations therefore need systems that are compassionate, flexible and informed by an understanding of trauma rather than expecting people to simply return to "normal".

The Government has also launched a dedicated Support Hub providing specialist support for people affected by terrorist incidents.

From remembrance to responsibility

Today is first and foremost a day to remember.

To remember those who lost their lives.

To recognise survivors.

To acknowledge bereaved families.

And to listen to the voices of people whose experiences have helped bring about greater national recognition.

But for organisations with responsibilities for people, there is also an opportunity to reflect.

Safeguarding is not simply about responding when something goes wrong.

It is about anticipating risk, creating safer environments, preparing people to respond and ensuring that those affected by harm receive the support they need afterwards.

As Martyn's Law brings renewed attention to preparedness across premises and events, organisations should be asking not simply:

"Are we compliant?"

But:

"If the unthinkable happened here, are we genuinely prepared to protect and support people before, during and after it?"

That is the difference between having safeguarding arrangements and creating a safeguarding culture.

At RLB, our thoughts are with all victims and survivors of terrorism, those who have been bereaved, and the families and communities whose lives continue to be affected.

Because safeguarding does not stop when the immediate danger has passed.

Read the News Story here