The concept of "reasonably practicable" is a key term in the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2024 (Martyn's Law) and is similar to its use in other safety regulations, such as Fire Safety and Health and Safety.
Article 10 in a series on Martyn's Law
This blog is part of our ongoing series exploring Martyn’s Law and its impact on public safety. We recommend checking out the full series for valuable insights. For further information or tailored advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
What Does "Reasonably Practicable" Mean?
When determining what is reasonably practicable, the responsible person must consider the specific circumstances of the premises, including the nature of the site and available resources. This means that what is appropriate for one venue might not be suitable for another. For example, the procedures implemented at a small shop that regularly hosts fewer than 200 people will naturally differ from those at a large restaurant that can accommodate 400 guests.
The Government has provided examples that guide the implementation of reasonable and practicable procedures for various types of premises, helping responsible persons understand their obligations.
Developing Effective Procedures
The effectiveness of public protection procedures is crucial to ensure a swift and coordinated response to a potential terrorist attack. Procedures must be clearly communicated to all individuals involved in delivering the response, including:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Contractors
- Anyone hiring the premises
The method of communicating these procedures will depend on the nature of the premises and the available resources. For example, in larger venues or those with complex operations, the responsible person may require employees to attend specific instructional training to ensure they are well-prepared to act when needed.
The procedures should not just exist as a document; they must be fully integrated into the daily operations, ensuring that everyone is aware and able to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
Enhanced Duty (Tier) Premises
As outlined in the standard duty premises blog (please refer to the hyperlink for further details), the requirements for enhanced duty premises are designed to ensure that venues expecting higher numbers of individuals are even better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack.
Since enhanced duty premises are likely to host more people, the impact of an attack could be more significant, requiring stronger protective measures. The responsible person for these premises must implement reasonably practicable public protection measures designed to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure better protection from terrorist threats.
The increased level of responsibility is directly linked to the higher number of individuals present, with the aim to safeguard both staff and the public more effectively. By putting proactive and robust measures in place, enhanced duty premises help mitigate the risk of harm and protect lives.
Conclusion
The key takeaway is that the Martyn’s Law framework ensures that each premises type can adapt its security and protection plans to its own unique situation, balancing practicality with the overarching goal of safeguarding the public from terrorism.
A Tailored Approach to Diverse Needs
United Outcomes specialises in providing bespoke solutions to support organisations in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. We understand the unique challenges faced by venues of all sizes and offer tailored advice to address specific needs. Our approach focuses on venue-specific guidance, ensuring that every strategy we develop is both effective and aligned with your objectives. By partnering with us, you can confidently navigate the responsibilities of Martyn’s Law, transforming challenges into opportunities to enhance public safety and resilience.
Kevin Purcell
Kevin, United Outcomes’ Chief Operating Officer, boasts a distinguished career leveraging his background as a senior police officer to drive organisational excellence. With over a decade in leadership roles, Kevin excels in coordinating multi-agency operations, underscoring his adeptness in emergency preparedness. Specialising in change management, leadership, and development across various sectors, he has a record of executing projects efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards.
