The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2024, or Martyn’s Law, outlines specific requirements for Standard Duty Premises. These provisions aim to ensure that responsible persons implement and maintain measures to prepare for and respond to potential terrorist threats effectively, prioritising the safety of individuals on-site.
Article 9 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 previous blogs, linked on the right, for valuable insights. For further information or tailored advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Key Requirements for Standard Duty Premises
Notification Obligations
The responsible person must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) upon assuming or relinquishing responsibility for a premises.
Regulations will specify:
- The timeframe for providing notification.
- Required information about the premises and the responsible person.
Public Protection Procedures
The responsible person must establish and implement public protection procedures to reduce the risk of physical harm during a terrorist incident at or near the premises.
These procedures should be:
- Proactive: Developed with an understanding of potential threats.
- Practical: Aligned with the premises’ nature and available resources.
- Accessible: Clearly communicated to all workers to ensure effective implementation during emergencies.
Types of Procedures
The Bill specifies four types of procedures that must be considered and implemented where reasonably practicable. These will be detailed in guidance provided by the Government.
Tailoring Procedures to Premises
The implementation of public protection procedures must consider:
- The type and use of the premises.
- Resources available, such as staffing levels and operational budgets.
- The reasonably practicable nature of the measures, ensuring they are achievable without requiring physical alterations or additional equipment purchases.
Awareness and Preparedness
Workers must know the public protection procedures and understand how to execute them effectively. For example, an evacuation plan must be familiar to all staff, rather than simply existing as a document.
Regular briefings or accessible instructions may be necessary to ensure readiness.
Considering Terrorist Threats
Responsible persons must evaluate the potential types of terrorist attacks that could occur at their location, such as:
- Explosive devices.
- Vehicle-based threats.
- Attacks involving firearms or edged weapons.
By anticipating these methodologies, procedures can be designed to mitigate the specific risks associated with each scenario. The Government will provide guidance to help responsible persons understand relevant attack types and adapt their plans accordingly.
Simplicity and Support
The requirements for standard duty premises are intentionally straightforward to encourage compliance. With the support of detailed Government guidance, responsible persons can confidently establish and maintain effective public protection procedures.
This framework underlines the commitment of Martyn’s Law to balance practical implementation with robust public safety.
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.
