Guidance aims to help charities comply with anti-terror law

Charities are being urged to access new guidance to help ensure they comply with Martyn’s Law commitments around public safety should a terrorist attack occur at their premises or events.

The guidance tools to help charities plan for the new law, which is set to come into force from next Spring, have been released by regulator the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

They relate to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the UK legislation that is commonly known as Martyn’s Law, in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorism attack in 2017.

The guidance includes a planning tool for the procedures needed for those in the ‘standard tier’ in the Act, and those in the ‘enhanced tier’ on documenting their procedures.

Issues covered include putting in place appropriate procedures for evacuation, lockdown, communication and moving people to safe areas within premises in the event of an attack.

“When Martyn's Law comes into force, premises and events in scope will need to notify the SIA they are in scope. Those in the standard tier will not need to send any compliance documents at that point unless asked to do so,” said the SIA, which is responsible for regulating the private security industry.

SIA executive director of Martyn’s Law Laura Gibb said: “We have talked to many people at events and in premises across the UK and heard their ask for practical tools. They have asked for help for those in scope of Martyn's Law to work through their thinking, planning and preparation.

“These new materials are a first step. We will continue to work with those responsible for premises and events in scope to guide and support them in complying.

“We cannot build an effective, workable system without the people and organisations who will be using it. We are encouraging everyone to get involved, help test the tools and templates and help us build something that works for premises and events of every size and type.”

The SIA is asking charities to submit their feedback of the tools by 23 December.