Martyn's Law Consultancy & Compliance Support
Our Special Forces-trained professionals provide end-to-end Martyn's Law consultancy and compliance support for venues and events
Who Dares Group: Experts in Martyn's Law Compliance
Who Dares Group, founded by UK Special Forces veterans, brings unparalleled expertise in security, risk management, and high-pressure operations. With a track record of delivering elite training, crisis response solutions, and operational planning, we apply our specialist knowledge to help venues meet the stringent requirements of Martyn’s Law. Our hands-on approach ensures that businesses not only comply with the law but also implement robust security measures that genuinely enhance public safety.
As trusted experts in protective security, Who Dares Group provides end-to-end consultancy to venues and event spaces, guiding them through risk assessments, security planning, and staff training. Our comprehensive service ensures that every requirement of Martyn’s Law is met with precision, covering everything from emergency response strategies to compliance documentation, giving businesses the confidence to operate securely and responsibly.
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn’s Law is the UK’s forthcoming legislation designed to strengthen security at public venues and events, ensuring they are prepared for potential terrorist threats. Named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law introduces mandatory security measures for businesses and organisations that host the public. It aims to create a consistent approach to threat preparedness, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing public safety.
The legislation applies a tiered system based on venue capacity. Smaller venues must meet baseline security requirements, such as risk assessments and emergency action plans, while larger venues face more stringent obligations, including detailed security strategies and staff training. This law places a legal duty on organisations to take security seriously, shifting from voluntary measures to enforceable requirements. It is designed to ensure that every venue has a clear, structured response in place to deal with potential threats, protecting both businesses and the public from preventable risks.
Martyn’s Law: Key Requirements for Venues
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, sets out specific requirements for publicly accessible venues and events across the UK to enhance security and preparedness against terrorist threats. The obligations under Martyn’s Law are structured into two tiers based on venue capacity:
Standard Tier
(Capacity of 200 to 799 individuals):
Engagement with Counterterrorism Advice and Training:
Venues must participate in counterterrorism training programs to raise awareness among staff about potential threats and appropriate responses.
Implementation of Preparedness Plans:
Develop and maintain actionable plans to protect the public in the event of a terrorist attack, focusing on low-cost, effective measures to reduce harm.
Enhanced Tier
(Capacity of 800 or more individuals):
In addition to the Standard Tier requirements:
Detailed Risk Assessments:
Conduct thorough evaluations to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats specific to the venue.
Development of Security Plans:
Create comprehensive security strategies that address identified risks and outline preventive measures.
Implementation of Physical Security Measures:
Introduce appropriate physical security enhancements, such as surveillance systems or access controls, to mitigate identified risks.
Designation of a Senior Officer:
Appoint a senior staff member responsible for overseeing compliance with Martyn's Law and ensuring the implementation of security measures.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain detailed records of compliance efforts and be prepared to provide this information to regulatory authorities upon request.
These measures aim to create a consistent and comprehensive approach to security across UK public venues, enhancing public safety and ensuring venues are prepared to respond effectively to potential terrorist threats.
Legal and Security Implications
For public venues, Martyn’s Law represents a fundamental shift in security responsibility, requiring a proactive approach to risk management. Every location covered under the legislation will need to assess vulnerabilities, establish protective measures, and ensure that all staff understand their role in responding to security threats. This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about preventing attacks, minimising casualties, and ensuring public safety is a priority.
Failure to meet the legal requirements could result in fines, enforcement action, or, in severe cases, forced closures. Venues must integrate security planning into daily operations, ensuring procedures such as access control, emergency evacuation plans, and staff training are in place. The law demands more than just ticking boxes—it requires a commitment to resilience, preparedness, and accountability. By implementing the right security measures, businesses can protect their customers, staff, and reputation while ensuring they remain legally compliant.
End-to-End Martyn’s Law Consultancy Service
Who Dares Group provides a comprehensive, end-to-end Martyn’s Law consultancy service to venues that want to ensure they fully comply with the new legislation. Our specialist team conducts in-depth risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing tailored security solutions that meet all legal requirements. From creating structured emergency response plans to advising on physical security measures, we ensure that businesses are fully prepared for any threat scenario.
A key part of our Martyn’s Law consultancy service is staff training, equipping teams with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. We also assist with compliance documentation, ensuring that venues have the necessary records and procedures in place to meet regulatory expectations. By combining strategic planning with real-world security expertise, Who Dares Group helps businesses not only achieve compliance but also build a safer and more resilient environment for staff and visitors.
Martyn’s Law Compliance
Every Requirement Covered
Comprehensive Risk Assessments:
A full security evaluation to identify vulnerabilities, weak points, and potential threats within your venue. This includes assessing existing security measures to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Venue-Specific Compliance Strategies:
A tailored security plan designed around your venue’s unique layout, operations, and risk factors. This ensures that every protective measure is practical, effective, and aligned with Martyn’s Law obligations.
Emergency Response Planning:
Structured response procedures covering evacuation plans, lockdown protocols, and coordinated staff actions in the event of a security threat. This ensures your team knows exactly how to react in high-pressure situations.
Staff Training and Drills:
Hands-on training to equip staff with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively to emergencies. This includes situational awareness, threat identification, and coordinated response exercises to improve preparedness.
Physical Security Enhancements:
Expert guidance on upgrading security infrastructure, such as CCTV placement, access restrictions, perimeter security, and screening measures, to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry or attacks.
Compliance Documentation Support:
Assistance in compiling and maintaining the necessary records, policies, and procedures required to meet regulatory standards, ensuring venues have a clear audit trail demonstrating compliance with Martyn’s Law.
At Who Dares Group, we don’t just help venues pass compliance checks, we provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure businesses continue to refine and enhance their security measures, this includes regular reviews, refresher training, and updated risk assessments.
Why Choose Who Dares Group
What Sets Us Apart When it Comes to Martyn's Law Consultancy?
Special Forces Expertise
Led by UK Special Forces veterans, We bring elite-level security knowledge, real-world experience, and a proactive approach to threat management. Our strategies are based on proven operational effectiveness, not just theory.
End-to-End Compliance
From risk assessments to staff training and emergency planning, we cover all aspects of Martyn’s Law compliance. Businesses receive a complete, structured approach tailored to their venue’s specific needs.
Real-World, Practical Training
Security is only as strong as the people enforcing it. Who Dares Group provides hands-on, scenario-based training that ensures staff can respond decisively in real-life emergency situations.
Tailored Security Strategies
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to security. We develop customised security plans that based on the venue’s size, layout, available resources, risk level, and operational requirements.
Ongoing Guidance & Support
Security isn’t a one-time fix. Who Dares Group offers regular reviews, refresher training, and updated risk assessments to ensure venues stay compliant and maintain security standards.
No-Nonsense Approach
Our background in high-stakes environments means we cut through bureaucracy and deliver straight-to-the-point, actionable security solutions that work in the real world, ensuring venues are fully prepared.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is a proposed UK law designed to enhance security measures in publicly accessible venues. Named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law aims to ensure that venues implement appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of harm from terrorism. It introduces a structured framework requiring businesses to assess threats, develop emergency response plans, and train staff to handle potential security incidents effectively.
Martyn’s Law is being introduced in response to the growing threat of terrorism and the lessons learned from past attacks. Following incidents such as the Manchester Arena bombing, it became clear that many public venues lacked structured security measures and preparedness. The law is designed to create a consistent, legally enforceable approach to security across the UK, ensuring that businesses take proactive steps to protect the public and improve their emergency response capabilities.
Martyn’s Law will apply to a wide range of publicly accessible venues, including entertainment venues, shopping centres, bars, restaurants, hotels, museums, stadiums, places of worship, and transport hubs. It also covers temporary events, such as festivals and concerts, provided they meet the criteria set out by the legislation. The law is designed to ensure that any location where large numbers of people gather has appropriate security measures in place.
The legislation applies a tiered system based on venue capacity. The Standard Tier applies to venues with a capacity of 100 to 799 individuals and requires them to conduct basic threat assessments, implement proportionate security measures, and train staff in emergency response. The Enhanced Tier applies to venues with a capacity of 800 or more and includes additional requirements such as more detailed security plans, the appointment of a designated security officer, and stricter compliance monitoring.
Venues in the Standard Tier must conduct a basic risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. They must also implement proportionate security measures, such as controlled access points, emergency response procedures, and staff awareness training. While these requirements are designed to be low-cost and practical, they are legally enforceable and intended to improve venue preparedness for potential attacks.
Enhanced Tier venues must undertake more detailed risk assessments, develop comprehensive security plans, and implement stricter security measures, including access control, CCTV surveillance, and regular staff training. These venues must also appoint a designated security officer responsible for overseeing compliance with Martyn’s Law. Additionally, they are required to maintain thorough records of their security practices and be prepared for inspections to demonstrate compliance.
As of now, Martyn’s Law is still progressing through the legislative process in Parliament. The law is expected to come into effect in 2025, with an implementation period allowing businesses time to comply with the new requirements. However, venues are encouraged to begin preparations now to ensure they are ready when the law is enforced.
Venues can prepare by conducting internal risk assessments, reviewing their emergency response plans, and training staff on security awareness and crisis management. Businesses should also consider consulting with security experts to ensure their measures align with the forthcoming legal requirements. By taking proactive steps now, venues can avoid last-minute compliance challenges and strengthen their overall security framework.
Non-compliance with Martyn’s Law could result in serious consequences, including fines, legal penalties, or even forced closure in extreme cases. Regulatory bodies will have the authority to inspect venues and enforce compliance through audits and risk assessments. Businesses that fail to meet the required security standards may also face reputational damage and loss of public trust.
Yes, Martyn’s Law will apply to temporary events that meet the capacity thresholds outlined in the legislation. This includes festivals, concerts, and public gatherings where security risks are present. Event organisers will need to assess potential threats, implement appropriate security measures, and train staff or volunteers on emergency response procedures to comply with the law.
Yes, venues can access guidance from official sources such as the UK government’s ProtectUK website, which provides information on counter-terrorism security planning. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and local authorities will also offer advice and training opportunities to help businesses meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law. Consulting with security professionals like Who Dares Group, who specialise in counter-terrorism planning, is also a valuable step for ensuring full compliance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
Martyn’s Law will be enforced through a regulatory body, which will have the authority to conduct inspections, review compliance documentation, and issue penalties for non-compliance. Enhanced Tier venues, in particular, will be subject to regular assessments to ensure they are adhering to security requirements. The goal is to create a standardised security culture across all public venues, rather than relying on voluntary compliance.
