Preparing for Martyn's Law: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Parish and Town Councils.
- Simon Legrand
- Aug 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 1
The safety of public spaces has become a key concern for local authorities in the UK. With the passing of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn's Law, a new legal duty has been established, compelling organisations to take proactive measures to enhance security against the threat of a terrorist attack. For UK Parish and Town Councils, which often manage a variety of public venues, this legislation introduces a new layer of responsibility. This article, informed by the latest guidance from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), provides a detailed, actionable guide for councils to understand and prepare for the Protect Duty.
Understanding the Protect Duty
Martyn's Law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Its purpose is to ensure that venues and organisations are better prepared to respond to and mitigate the impact of a terrorist incident. The law creates a legal obligation for venue operators, including local councils, to implement reasonable and proportionate protective security and preparedness measures. This is a significant shift from a voluntary best-practice approach to a mandatory legal requirement.
The core principle of the Protect Duty is one of foreseeable risk. It requires organisations to consider the threat of terrorism as part of their overall security planning, alongside other risks like fire or crime. For Parish and Town Councils, this means re-evaluating the security of every venue and event they manage, no matter how large or small. The guidance is clear: even if a council's venues do not meet the legal thresholds, embracing the principles of the law is a matter of good practice and an essential part of a council's wider duty of care to its community.
Navigating the Tiers of the Legislation
Martyn's Law categorises venues into two tiers based on their capacity, which determines the level of responsibility and the measures required.
Standard Tier: This applies to venues with a capacity of 200 to 799 individuals. For Parish and Town Councils, this may include larger community centres, town halls, or major event spaces. The requirements for this tier are designed to be practical and are likely to involve a combination of:
Staff training: All relevant staff should be trained in security awareness and how to respond in an emergency. This can include simple protocols like the "Run, Hide, Tell" guidance and how to spot and report suspicious behaviour.
Basic risk assessments: Councils must conduct a terrorism risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and document how they are being addressed.
Emergency response plans: A clear and well-documented plan should be in place to guide staff on how to react to an incident.
Enhanced Tier: This applies to venues with a capacity of 800 or more individuals. While less common for many Parish and Town Councils, it is highly relevant for those managing large sports fields, festival grounds, or significant public spaces used for large-scale events. Compliance for this tier is more demanding and includes:
Dedicated security plans: A detailed security plan must be formally developed and maintained.
Collaboration with authorities: Councils are expected to engage proactively with local police and counter-terrorism security advisors to share information and align their plans.
Specific security measures: This may include more sophisticated security measures such as CCTV, access control, and physical barriers.
Actionable Steps for Parish and Town Councils
Preparing for and complying with Martyn's Law requires a structured, step-by-step approach. It is not about a single action but about embedding a culture of preparedness.
Conduct a Venue and Event Audit: The first step is to create a comprehensive list of all venues and public spaces your council manages. For each location, determine its typical capacity. This will immediately clarify whether it falls into the Standard or Enhanced Tier. Do not overlook seasonal or one-off events that may temporarily exceed the capacity thresholds.
Perform a Terrorism Risk Assessment: This is the most critical component of your preparation. The assessment should be a formal, documented process that identifies:
Threats: What are the potential security risks specific to your venue? Consider the type of event, its location, and its public profile.
Vulnerabilities: What are the weaknesses in your current security? This could be anything from unmonitored entry points to a lack of staff training.
Impact: What would be the likely impact of an incident on your community and assets?
The assessment should not be a static document; it must be reviewed and updated regularly.
Develop and Document Your Emergency Plans: A clear, easy-to-understand emergency plan is essential. It should be written in a way that all staff can follow under pressure. The plan should include:
Response protocols: Define specific actions for different threats, such as a security alert or an active threat.
Communication strategy: Outline how to communicate with staff, the public, and emergency services during an incident.
Evacuation procedures: Clearly mark evacuation routes and designate safe muster points.
Implement Security Awareness Training
A well-trained staff is your first line of defence. All staff, including part-time and volunteer workers, must receive basic security awareness training. This should cover:
Recognising and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Understanding the "Run, Hide, Tell" guidance.
Knowing how to respond to an emergency situation, including bomb threats.
Secure Your Premises: The law requires "reasonable and proportionate" measures. This may include:
Physical Security: Using fences, barriers, or bollards to manage access and protect against vehicle-borne threats.
Access Control: Implementing a robust system to manage and log who enters and leaves a venue.
CCTV: A modern, high-definition CCTV system can be a powerful tool for deterrence and providing crucial evidence. Cameras should be strategically placed to monitor entry points, high-traffic areas, and any potential security vulnerabilities identified in your risk assessment.
The Role of Technology: CCTV and Access Control
Technology is a critical enabler for compliance with Martyn's Law. For Parish and Town Councils, a professional security installation provides the tools to manage risks and respond effectively.
CCTV as a Proactive Tool: Modern CCTV systems, particularly those with smart analytics, can go beyond simple recording. They can be configured to alert security personnel to unusual activity, such as a person loitering in a restricted area or an unattended bag, enabling a proactive and rapid response.
Access Control: Implementing an electronic access control system allows councils to precisely manage who enters and leaves a venue. This not only enhances security but also provides a clear audit trail of movement, which can be invaluable during an investigation.
Martyn's Law is a call to action for all those responsible for public spaces. For UK Parish and Town Councils, it is an opportunity to strengthen their duty of care and demonstrate a clear commitment to community safety. By conducting thorough risk assessments, training staff, and implementing a tailored security plan, all while leveraging modern technology, councils can not only comply with the law but also build a more resilient and secure environment for everyone. Proactive preparation today is the key to ensuring the safety of your community tomorrow.
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