New: Home Office issues Martyn's Law guidance
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is UK legislation to strengthen public safety by requiring robust counter-terrorism preparedness.
Name in honour of Martyn Hett - who alongside 21 others - lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, it was secured through the campaigning of his mother, Figen Murray and received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
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Evacuation
the process of getting people safely out of the premises
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Invacuation
the process of bringing people safely into, or to safer parts of the premises
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Lockdown
the process of securing the premises to prevent individuals entering or leaving the premises, e.g. to restrict or prevent entry by an attacker by locking doors, closing shutters or using available barriers
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Communication
the process of alerting people on the premises to the danger, e.g. providing instructions to remain in place or move away from any danger
Communication Requirements
Effective emergency communication plans are a vital part of Martyn's Law. The Counter Terrorism Policing and NSPA (National Protective Security Authority) guidance for announcements encourages:
Clear, consistent and unambiguous emergency announcements
Clear, consistent and unambiguous emergency announcements
Crystal-clear, AI-enhanced announcements can be triggered by any triggered by any authorised user. Out audio-first approach uses AI voice and text-to-speech to ensure clear pronunciation and intelligibility for your emergency messages
Accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities (e.g. using visual aids or notifications alongside audio announcements)
Accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities (e.g. using visual aids or notifications alongside audio announcements)
Clocks displays visual messages alongside your emergency announcements on connected smart boards, laptops, desktops and digital signage, so critical alerts reach people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Timely provision of real-time information to the public and first responders
Timely provision of real-time information to the public and first responders
An intuitive, user-friendly interface makes it easy to send scheduled or live messages tailored to different scenarios. Responses can be triggered instantly via the central control portal, emergency buttons, quick-click wearables and the mobile app, ensuring real-time information reaches the right people without delay.
Proper training for staff to use communication systems and assist attendee
Proper training for staff to use communication systems and assist attendee
Our professional operations team are on hand to help you get set up and to support you throughout onboarding and ongoing use. Using the system for everyday communications is a highly effective way to keep staff and authorised users familiar and confident, while also delivering strong return on investment
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Who will be in scope?
Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- There is at least one building (or premises are in a building)
- The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or mose of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. restaurants or a shop
- It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally
- The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act
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If 800 or more individuals may be expected, the premises will be an enhanced duty premises unless the Act says otherwise.
An event that satisfies the following criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- It will take place at premises within section 3(1)(a) of the Act, including land without buildings, that are not enhanced duty premises (or part of enhanced duty premises)
- The relevant premises are accessible to members of the public for the purpose of the event
- It is reasonable to expect that there will be at least 800 individuals present for the event at once at some point during it
- There will be measures to check entry conditions are met, such as a ticket checks
- The event is not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act
How will it work?
The Act establishes a tiered approach, linked to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present at the same time at premises and events