In light of evolving security concerns and new legislative measures, schools, businesses and public venues across the UK are preparing to comply with Martyn’s Law—a new counter-terrorism measure that will reshape safety practices in public venues.
Martyn’s Law introduces a range of security requirements to better protect public spaces from potential terrorist threats. For educational institutions, particularly those with large student populations, adhering to this legislation means adopting specific safety measures. From implementing effective lockdown procedures to training staff and establishing communication systems, schools must now navigate a two-tiered security system designed to enhance public safety.
At Clarion, our specialist communications systems are designed with safety in mind to aid your compliance with Martyn’s Law. Transform your school, college or university communications infrastructure into a mass broadcasting tool with our Digital Alerts technology.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of Martyn’s Law, detailing what schools need to know, how compliance impacts the education sector, and how to ensure your school is prepared for this critical legislative shift.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Seven years ago a terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena claimed the lives of 22 people attending an Ariana Grande concert. In response, the UK government proposed the Protection of Premises legislation. This is commonly known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the bombing.
Martyn’s Law aims to:
- Prevent terrorist attacks through better planning.
- Increase security preparedness in public venues.
- Raise awareness of the risk of terrorism.
When Does Martyn’s Law come into Effect?
The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024 and is currently undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny. The second reading is scheduled for October 14, 2024 and the bill will then continue through parliament before receiving Royal Assent. As the bill is still being reviewed, it is likely that ongoing changes will still be made.
Updates on the bill can be found here > www.gov.uk/government/news
How does Martyn’s Law work?
The key driver, is to support the government’s manifesto commitment to improve the security of public events as well as the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, that he would bring in this law.
Under the changes, a new duty will be placed on those responsible for premises and public events, requiring them to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place. This includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place, making sure undue burdens are not placed on small businesses.
Martyn’s Law will introduce a two-tiered system of security requirements based on venue capacity:
Standard tier
Applies to venues with a capacity of 200 to 799 individuals. Simple measures would cover, training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.
Enhanced tier
Encompasses larger venues with a capacity of 800 or more. This will include measures such as hiring security staff and implementing CCTV.
Settings with a maximum capacity of less than 100 will not be legally obliged to take action under Martyn’s Law. However, the principles of Counter Terrorism Protect and Prepare can be adopted by schools of any size to ensure their communities are safeguarded.
Guidance from the government is provided via a factsheet and is regularly updated based on any changes to the bill. It is very important that businesses and schools comply with Martyn’s Law as the government will establish an inspection and enforcement regime to ensure compliance in schools.
How does it Impact Educational Establishments?
For the education sector, the distinction between under-18 and over-18 education is crucial. Institutions catering to under-18 students, regardless of size, will fall under the standard tier.
For larger establishments, such as Universities, they will fall into the enhanced tier due to their large student populations and extensive campus facilities.
What do Schools need to do?
Schools need to focus on 3 key areas:
- Guide – how to direct people towards the most appropriate location.
- Shelter – establish how the site can lockdown and provide refuge for those on-site.
- Communicate – have a solution in place to communicate quickly and effectively with the appropriate people on the site.
Martyn’s Law Training
We recommend all staff receive Martyn’s Law Training and testing of procedures for staff and pupils are crucial to avoid confusion
We recommend:
- Providing clear instructions
- Training all staff and pupils
- Testing and communicating effectively
Informing parents about procedures and testing to reassure them of your school’s commitment to compliance with the law.
Every School should designate a responsible individual for lockdown or evacuation procedures, which may be the same person handling fire safety or another staff member.
School-Wide Communication with Clairon
Schools need to ensure that they can get the appropriate message out to staff and students in the event on an instance and this is where a lockdown procedure is essential.
With Clarion’s Lockdown Solutions, alerts can be triggered across the premises and throughout multiple buildings simultaneously. The word “lockdown” or a coded message can be transmitted. The option to Pre-record messages save time and reduces panic.
Digital alerts can be triggered by reception or members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and are activated via a control box, remotely from a PC or smartphone. This can also be linked with both internal and external speakers if required.
Lockdown procedures may be triggered by any potential threat, such as an intruder or a local disturbance.
How Can Clarion Assist You?
Clarion has been providing IT and Telecoms solutions into schools since 1999, currently, we work with over 400 Schools in providing communications solutions.
Adding a Digital Alert System to your school to broadcast emergency Lockdown alerts is a simple, effective and efficient way to protect staff and students whilst ensuring your compliance with Martyn’s Law. Our Digital Alerts offer a range of features including Push Alerts, Mobile App, Desktop Alerts, Panic Buttons, PA Speakers, Digital Signage and more.
Our Digital Alerts can also be used for non-emergency internal communications as a way of contacting all staff, and even students, quickly and efficiently. To find out more, contact a member of our specialist team.
