Martyns’ Law

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is proposed UK legislation designed to improve security and preparedness at public venues and events. It aims to reduce the risk of terrorism and ensure organisations know how to respond effectively if an attack occurs.

The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for stronger protections to keep the public safe.

Why Martyn’s Law Matters

Terrorist attacks can happen anywhere and often target crowded places. Martyn’s Law aims to ensure that organisations:

• Understand the risks
• Take proportionate steps to reduce harm
• Are prepared to respond quickly and effectively
• Protect staff, learners, and the public

It strengthens the UK’s approach to public safety and aligns with existing safeguarding and risk‑management duties.

Who Martyn’s Law Applies To 

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, now applies across the UK to organisations that operate publicly accessible premises or events with a capacity of 100 people or more. The law is designed to ensure that places where the public gather—whether for learning, leisure, worship, entertainment, or community activity—have proportionate measures in place to reduce the risk of terrorism and respond effectively in an emergency.

Martyn’s Law introduces two tiers of responsibility. The Standard Tier applies to premises and events with a capacity between 100 and 799 people, requiring terrorism awareness training, basic security planning, and clear emergency procedures. The Enhanced Tier applies to venues with a capacity of 800 or more, requiring more detailed risk assessments, stronger security measures, and rehearsed emergency plans.

Who Martyn’s Law Applies To 

Martyn’s Law applies to any publicly accessible premises or event with a capacity of 100+ people, including:

• Education and Training Providers Colleges, adult learning centres, universities, training organisations, and schools when hosting public events.
• Hospitality and Leisure Venues Pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, sports venues, and leisure centres.
• Retail and Commercial Spaces Shopping centres, large retail stores, indoor and outdoor markets, and commercial event spaces.
• Public and Community Venues Libraries, museums, community centres, places of worship, visitor attractions, and civic buildings.
• Temporary and Seasonal Events Festivals, fairs, concerts, pop-up events, exhibitions, and seasonal markets.
• Any organisation hosting public gatherings If the public can enter the space and the capacity is 100 or more, the law applies.

Support, Training, and Further Information

ProtectUK – Government guidance, training, and threat updates

ACT Awareness e‑Learning – free online training for staff

Martyn’s Law One Day Consultancy Package with Best for Training to help organisations, schools, and colleges check their current policies, plans and procedures meet the requirements, minimise risk and help keep learners and staff safe.

If you want to ensure you understand a variety of aspects of safeguarding, join us for our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ learner reviewed safeguarding training. 

We offer specific safeguarding training for education for those new to the DSL role and experienced DSLs who need to update their CPD.

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