Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is a vital piece of proposed legislation designed to improve security measures at public venues in the UK. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, this law aims to ensure that all organisations responsible for publicly accessible locations take steps to keep the public safe.
As specialists in crowd safety, security training, and risk management, we at CARMS understand the importance of staying ahead of regulatory changes—and Martyn’s Law is a game-changer.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a legislative proposal that will place a legal requirement on venues and organisations to:
- Assess the risk of terrorist threats
- Put appropriate and proportionate measures in place
- Train staff to recognise and respond to potential incidents
- Develop and test effective emergency plans
- Collaborate with authorities and emergency services
The law will apply to a broad range of locations, including entertainment venues, stadiums, shopping centres, places of worship, education facilities, and more.
Why Is Martyn’s Law Important?
Public safety is not just the responsibility of emergency services—it’s a shared duty. Martyn’s Law encourages proactive planning, stronger awareness, and consistent training to prevent or respond to serious incidents.
The Manchester Arena Inquiry highlighted gaps in preparedness, communication, and staff training. Martyn’s Law aims to close these gaps and create a nationwide culture of vigilance and prevention.
Who Will Be Affected?
The law is expected to cover organisations responsible for premises that:
- Have a capacity of 100 or more people (Standard Tier)
- Host 800 or more people (Enhanced Tier)
The measures required will depend on the tier, but both will involve some level of threat assessment and staff training.
How Can Businesses Prepare?
Preparation is key. At CARMS, we work with venues, businesses, and local authorities to deliver tailored training and support, helping clients meet the expectations of Martyn’s Law.
Our services include:
Conflict Management & De-escalation Training
Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO) Courses
Crowd Safety & Venue Risk Assessments
Emergency Planning & Scenario-Based Exercises
Training your team is not just about compliance—it’s about saving lives.
Supporting a Safer Future
Martyn’s Law represents a cultural shift in how we view public safety. While it may introduce new legal responsibilities, the real value lies in creating safer spaces for everyone.
If you operate a publicly accessible location, now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait for the law to come into force—take proactive steps today.
Get in Touch
Want to find out how your organisation can prepare for Martyn’s Law?
Contact us at CARMS website or explore our qualifications and e-learning store.