The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has released a new planning tool to support the schools and colleges expected to be in scope of Martyn's Law as they prepare to comply with the new legislation.
Martyn’s Law, which is expected to come into force in spring 2027, aims to keep people safe by ensuring that publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared against acts of terrorism.
The SIA is urging all schools and colleges in scope to use the new planning tools to start to prepare for the incoming legislation.
Developed with the support of volunteers from premises and events and the SIA’s protective security partners, there is a new planning tool for those in the standard tier to work through what procedures they have or will put in place to comply.
For schools, who will always be in the standard tier, the focus is on helping them think through how they will put in place appropriate procedures for evacuation, lockdown, communications and invacuation (moving people to safe areas within a premises) in the event of a terrorist attack.
When Martyn's Law comes into force, premises and events in scope will need to notify the SIA they are in scope. Schools will not need to send any compliance documents at that point unless asked to do so.
The SIA is inviting feedback on the tools and encouraging those in scope to test them out now and start to prepare. Feedback can be shared through an online feedback form until 23 December.
Laura Gibb, Executive Director of Martyn’s Law at the SIA said: “We have talked to many people at events and in premises across the UK and heard their ask for practical tools. They have asked for help for those in scope of Martyn's Law to work through their thinking, planning and preparation. These new materials are a first step. We will continue to work with those responsible for premises and events in scope to guide and support them in complying.
"We cannot build an effective, workable system without the people and organisations who will be using it. We are encouraging everyone to get involved, help test the tools and templates and help us build something that works for premises and events of every size and type."
The tools can be accessed on GOV.UK alongside further resources and information on Martyn’s Law. For anyone still unsure if Martyn's Law applies to them, flowcharts are available to help with this on ProtectUK.
