RLB Safeguarding | November 2026
Recent developments across counter-terrorism preparedness, online safety and the entertainment industry reinforce the importance of effective governance, clear accountability and meaningful protective arrangements.
For organisations working across education, charities, events, workplaces and digital environments, these updates offer opportunities to review whether safeguarding and safety procedures are genuinely effective.
1. New Martyn's Law Planning Tools Released
Security Industry Authority | 9 November 2026 | Implementation resources
The Security Industry Authority has published new tools to help premises and events prepare for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
The resources include a planning tool for standard-tier premises and a template to help enhanced-tier premises and events document their proposed arrangements.
The standard-tier tool focuses on evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures.
Enhanced-tier resources also support consideration of vulnerabilities and protective measures.
Martyn's Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027.
Why this matters
Organisations should use the preparation period to understand whether they are in scope, review existing arrangements and identify areas requiring improvement.
The SIA is also seeking feedback on the tools until 23 December 2026.
Importantly, these resources support implementation; their publication does not mean the substantive duties have commenced.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-tools-to-support-preparation-for-martyns-law
2. Ofcom Strengthens Guidance on Welfare in Reality Television
Ofcom | 10 November 2026 | Regulatory guidance
Ofcom has strengthened guidance concerning the welfare of participants in constructed reality programmes.
The update addresses foreseeable risks associated with participation, including emotional vulnerability, intimate situations, coercive behaviour and the need for appropriate support.
Why this matters
Broadcasters and production organisations should consider whether participant welfare arrangements adequately address risks before, during and after filming.
Relevant considerations include informed consent, reporting procedures, welfare support, risk assessment and how concerns are managed.
This is particularly important where participation may expose individuals to emotional distress, public scrutiny or other foreseeable harms.
The guidance reinforces existing regulatory expectations rather than introducing a new standalone safeguarding law.
3. Snapchat Introduces Further Child Safety Protections
Ofcom | 6 November 2026 | Platform safety implementation
Ofcom has reported progress following its intervention concerning grooming risks on Snapchat.
Changes include stronger protections associated with the platform's Find Friends feature and further commitments relating to age assurance.
Why this matters
Digital safeguarding arrangements should not rely solely on platform safety settings.
Schools, colleges, charities and youth organisations should continue to support young people to recognise grooming, coercion and exploitation, understand reporting mechanisms and seek help from trusted adults.
This is a platform implementation development, not a new statutory duty for schools.
4. Ofcom Publishes Guidance on Deceased Child User Duties
Ofcom | 11 November 2026 | Statutory duties and regulatory guidance
Ofcom has published final guidance relating to duties under the Online Safety Act concerning information requests following the death of a child.
The duties apply to relevant categorised online services and address transparency, support and procedures for handling requests.
They do not create an automatic entitlement to disclosure of all information held by a platform.
Why this matters
Professionals supporting bereaved families should understand the distinction between the obligations placed on online service providers and the support that other organisations may offer.
Schools, charities and safeguarding professionals may need to signpost families to relevant information while recognising the sensitivity and complexity of such circumstances.
Source: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children/guidance-deceased-child-user-duties
What Connects These Developments?
Although these updates concern different sectors, they raise similar questions about accountability and organisational assurance.
Do organisations understand their responsibilities?
Are risks being assessed appropriately?
Are people able to raise concerns safely?
And can leaders demonstrate that protective arrangements work in practice?
At RLB Safeguarding, we work with organisations across multiple sectors to strengthen safeguarding governance, professional practice and organisational culture.
Good safeguarding is not demonstrated by the number of policies an organisation holds. It is demonstrated by the effectiveness of the arrangements protecting people.