In a world where safety risks extend beyond the physical workplace, security preparedness is now a crucial part of every organisation’s duty of care. With Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill now in force, businesses and venues across the UK are being called upon to strengthen their ability to prevent, plan for, and respond to potential threats.
Taking a proactive, digital-first approach during this early implementation period will help organisations not only meet new legal obligations but also protect staff, visitors and the wider community more effectively.
Understanding Martyn’s Law and its impact
Martyn’s Law was developed in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Its purpose is to ensure that venues and public spaces across the UK take reasonable, proportionate steps to reduce the risk of terrorism and improve emergency preparedness.
The legislation introduces two key tiers of responsibility:
- Standard Tier – For premises where 200 or more individuals may be present. Requirements include conducting a terrorism risk assessment, implementing mitigation procedures, and providing staff training.
- Enhanced Tier – For premises or events expecting 800 or more people. Requirements include developing a documented security plan, designating a compliance lead, and implementing physical security measures such as CCTV and controlled entry.
Martyn’s Law affects a wide range of sectors, from entertainment and hospitality to retail, education, healthcare, and transport. By introducing a structured, risk-based framework, it places clear expectations on organisations to plan ahead and respond effectively to threats.
Using digital tools for smarter security preparedness
Traditional, paper-based risk assessments can no longer keep pace with the speed and complexity of modern security challenges. Digital tools like AssessNET’s Risk Assessment Module help organisations take a proactive, consistent approach to identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating threats, and documenting control measures.
AssessNET’s risk assessment software enables safety and security teams to:
- Apply a configurable risk matrix that aligns with your policies and processes.
- Maintain full version control for complete traceability, transparency, and compliance with standards such as ISO 45001 and HSG65.
- Attach supporting documents and evidence including photos, maps, and notes to create detailed, auditable records.
- Receive automated alerts that notify managers when risk levels change or reviews are due.
- Use shared templates or create new assessments for different premises or event types.
- Provide employees with quick access through an intuitive employee portal, encouraging engagement and awareness across the organisation.
These capabilities make AssessNET not just a compliance tool but a strategic platform for managing security preparedness in real time.
Integrating modules for a complete approach
While the Risk Assessment Module forms the foundation of a strong security plan, AssessNET’s modular system allows organisations to build a comprehensive safety network that covers every aspect of preparedness.
- Incident Management: Log and track security incidents or suspicious activity with full audit trails and action management.
- Hazard Reporting: Empower employees to report security concerns or maintenance issues that could compromise safety.
- Training Management: Record staff competency, training completion, and refresher sessions on emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Each module can operate independently or integrate seamlessly, giving organisations the flexibility to expand their system as their needs evolve.
Preparing for compliance and resilience
The government has provided a two-year implementation period to allow organisations to understand their responsibilities under Martyn’s Law and put appropriate systems in place. Using a digital safety platform like AssessNET makes this process easier, faster and more transparent.
Organisations can:
- Conduct terrorism risk assessments in line with their tier obligations.
- Develop clear, documented security plans.
- Manage and monitor staff training.
- Record and evidence compliance during inspections or audits.
By centralising all this information in one system, businesses gain full visibility over their security preparedness, and the ability to adapt as risks and regulations evolve.
A safer future through smarter planning
Whether managing a local community hall or a large entertainment venue, every organisation shares the same responsibility: to keep people safe. With AssessNET, safety leaders can move beyond reactive compliance and embrace proactive planning, ensuring security measures are effective, evidence-based and continuously improved.
Book a demo of AssessNET today and discover how digital risk assessment software can help your organisation meet Martyn’s Law requirements and enhance its overall security preparedness.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is UK legislation requiring venues and public spaces to assess terrorism risks and implement proportionate security measures.
Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?
It applies to premises and events with capacities of 200 people or more, covering a wide range of sectors including entertainment, hospitality, retail, education and healthcare.
How can digital risk assessment tools support Martyn’s Law compliance?
Tools like AssessNET streamline terrorism risk assessments, automate alerts, maintain version control and provide an auditable record of compliance.
What other security risks can AssessNET help manage?
Beyond terrorism preparedness, AssessNET helps manage physical security, emergency planning, incident reporting and staff training for a holistic approach to safety.
